Archive · 10 Jun 2025
Uber to Launch Self-Driving Taxis in London Next Year
Uber is planning to launch self-driving taxis in London starting next year.
Initially, there will be a human driver who can take over in emergencies, but the plan is to eventually have fully driverless cars.
The UK government is allowing companies like Uber to test these driverless services commercially.
The public will be able to book these taxis via an app, potentially from spring 2026.
The government believes this technology could create many jobs and boost the economy.
The new rules will require the self-driving cars to be as safe as human drivers.
Driverless taxis are already operating in other places like the US and China.
Uber will launch self-driving taxis in London next year.
The trials will start with a human driver, eventually transitioning to fully driverless.
The UK government is allowing commercial driverless services for the first time.
Public booking via app could be available from spring 2026.
The technology is expected to create jobs and boost the UK economy.
- Who
- Uber, UK government, public
- What
- Uber is launching self-driving taxis.
- When
- Next year (launch)
- Where
- London, UK
- Why
- To make autonomy a safe and reliable option and to modernize transport.
- Company
- Uber
- Location
- London, UK
- Launch Date
- Next year
- Initial Driver Type
- Human (with ability to take control)
- Public App Availability
- Spring 2026 (potential)
- Legislation
- Automated Vehicles Act
- Potential Economic Impact
- 38,000 jobs and £42 billion ($57 billion) to the UK economy by 2025