Is London ready for driverless taxis? Waymo’s bold UK launch sparks excitement and debate
Waymo’s autonomous taxi ready for London launch in 2026. Image Credit: Waymo Website
People in London will soon be able to hail Waymo driverless taxis, as the U.S.-based autonomous vehicle company confirmed plans to roll out its service in the UK capital by 2026. The move positions London as the first European city to experience the future of fully autonomous ride-hailing, setting the stage for a transportation revolution.
Waymo’s London Launch: A Landmark for Autonomous Vehicles
Waymo, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company Alphabet, will begin testing its Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles with trained safety drivers in late 2025 before offering fully autonomous rides next year. The company’s decision to expand into London comes after its success in U.S. cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, where it has completed over 10 million paid rides and driven 100 million autonomous miles.
The initiative aligns with the UK government’s goal to accelerate autonomous vehicle (AV) regulation, enabling pilot schemes before full legislation takes effect in 2027. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander praised the move, calling it a “milestone in transport innovation” that will create jobs and enhance accessibility.
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Black-Cab Drivers Push Back
Not everyone is on board. London’s iconic black-cab drivers have dismissed the Waymo rollout as a “fairground ride,” expressing skepticism about the technology’s reliability. The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association said London’s complex road systems could challenge autonomous vehicles. Despite criticism, experts believe competition could modernize the city’s transport industry, providing more options for commuters and tourists alike.
Safety and Accessibility at the Core
Waymo says its mission is simple: make roads safer and transport more accessible. Data from the company shows its autonomous cars are 12 times less likely to injure pedestrians and five times safer overall than human drivers. The technology uses AI, cameras, radar, and lidar sensors to navigate through complex environments, even in poor weather or darkness.
The rollout has also been hailed by advocacy groups such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), who view autonomous rides as a breakthrough for mobility independence. Road safety experts say the technology could help the UK reach its “Vision Zero” goal of eliminating road fatalities.
Waymo’s Broader Vision: Connecting Cities Globally
London’s launch marks another milestone in Waymo’s global expansion. The company, already operating in Japan through a partnership with Jaguar Land Rover, continues to strengthen ties with the UK, where it established its first European engineering hub in Oxford. Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana emphasized that the company’s goal is to “responsibly scale fully autonomous ride-hailing” while contributing to sustainable urban mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will Waymo driverless taxis start operating in London?
Waymo plans to begin supervised testing in late 2025 and launch fully autonomous rides in 2026, pending approval from the UK’s Department for Transport and Transport for London.
2. How does Waymo’s technology ensure passenger safety?
Waymo vehicles use a combination of AI, radar, cameras, and lidar sensors to detect and respond to obstacles in real time. Data shows they are five times safer than human-driven vehicles.
3. What kind of vehicles will Waymo use in London?
Waymo will deploy Jaguar Land Rover’s all-electric I-PACE SUVs, equipped with the company’s proprietary autonomous driving system, known as the Waymo Driver.
4. Will this affect black-cab drivers in London?
Some black-cab drivers have voiced concern, calling the vehicles “gimmicks.” However, analysts suggest Waymo will complement, not replace, existing taxi services, offering alternative transport options.
5. How can passengers book a Waymo ride in the UK?
Once operational, Londoners can hail a Waymo taxi using the Waymo app, similar to other ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt.
6. Is London the first European city to get Waymo taxis?
Yes. London will be the first European city to host Waymo’s autonomous taxi service, a milestone in the global expansion of the company’s ride-hailing network.
7. What benefits does Waymo bring to the UK?
The launch promises to boost job creation, technological investment, and road safety while advancing the UK’s role as a leader in autonomous vehicle innovation.
8. How does Waymo compare to competitors like Uber or Tesla?
Unlike Tesla’s semi-autonomous “Autopilot,” Waymo’s system is fully driverless and has logged more real-world autonomous miles than any other competitor.