Uber and Wayve open sign‑up for London robotaxi trials

Self-driving taxis will begin carrying paying passengers on London's roads this summer, following the launch of a sign-up process for the service by Uber and its technology partner, the British startup Wayve. Starting Monday, June 8, Uber users in London could register their interest to be among the first to ride in the robotaxis, which will be offered at the same price as conventional Uber rides pending final regulatory approval.

The service will mark the first time the general public in the United Kingdom can hail an autonomous vehicle. Initially, a trained human safety operator will be present behind the wheel of the specially equipped Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles to monitor the system and intervene if necessary. The partners stated that passengers should expect to be taken from pickup to drop-off without human intervention during these initial rides, with fully driverless operations planned for the future.

Uber and Wayve described the launch as a significant step in establishing the UK as a global hub for autonomous innovation. The robotaxis will be available through the Uber app on its X, Comfort, and Electric service tiers. Customers matched with a Wayve vehicle will have...