Uber Launches London's First Robotaxi Service With Safety Drivers

Uber launched London's first robotaxi service on Thursday, September 3, 2026, marking the first time autonomous vehicles have been available to paying customers in the United Kingdom. The service, a partnership between the ride-hailing giant and British artificial intelligence firm Wayve, initially features a small fleet of fewer than 20 vehicles, each with a human safety driver behind the wheel. Riders who request an UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Electric journey in London may be matched with a Wayve-powered Ford Mustang Mach-E at no additional cost. The companies stated that a licensed operator will be on board to monitor the car before fully driverless operations can begin at a future date, pending regulatory approval. The launch makes London the second European city, after Zagreb, where Uber offers robotaxis. The rollout represents a significant step for autonomous vehicle technology in a complex urban environment. Wayve's AI Driver system learns from experience, allowing it to adapt to new roads, vehicles, weather conditions, and cities. Uber partnered with Wayve in 2024, including an investment, with the goal of deploying the technology in multiple markets.