Uber Launches First European Robotaxi Service in Zagreb
Uber has launched its first autonomous ride-hailing service in Europe, offering robotaxi trips through its app in the Croatian capital, Zagreb. The service, which went live on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, is a partnership between the ride-hailing giant, Chinese autonomous vehicle technology firm Pony.ai, and Croatian mobility company Verne. It marks the first time users in Europe can book a self-driving vehicle directly through the Uber platform. The launch represents a significant expansion of the partnership announced in March 2026, moving from pilot testing to a commercial service. Under the arrangement, Pony.ai provides its Gen7 autonomous driving system, Verne owns and operates the vehicle fleet, and Uber integrates the service into its global ride-hailing network. Riders in Zagreb can now request an autonomous vehicle by selecting the UberX or Comfort options in the Uber app. When a self-driving car is available, the app displays vehicle details and instructions for the trip. During the initial phase, a licensed human safety operator will be present behind the wheel to monitor each journey.