An upcoming deployment of autonomous taxis is expected to hit the roads in the UK starting this fall. The US-based company Waymo has announced plans to introduce its fully self-driving taxi service in London by the end of the year. The Mirror was granted early access to Waymo’s AI-powered driverless cabs, also known as robotaxis, which are currently undergoing testing on the streets of the capital.
Waymo is awaiting official safety approval before commencing passenger services. The tech firm, a subsidiary of Google, asserts that its advanced technology has the potential to significantly reduce traffic accidents, as well as injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.
Despite offering higher fares compared to traditional human-driven Uber and black cabs, Waymo believes its service will appeal to individuals concerned about human drivers, especially during nighttime rides, and those seeking enhanced privacy.
Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s senior director of business development and strategic partnerships, expressed the company’s commitment to becoming the most trusted driver globally and enhancing road safety. Waymo envisions its autonomous cabs providing a “magical experience” for passengers.
While the size of the planned London fleet remains undisclosed, Waymo currently operates 1,000 vehicles in San Francisco and 700 in Los Angeles. The company has not ruled out expanding its self-driving cab services to other cities and towns across the UK in the future.
In a parallel development, Uber is also piloting its own robotaxi service in London. Waymo’s leadership asserts that their high-tech vehicles are equipped to handle diverse driving conditions in the UK, from complex road networks to inclement weather.
Waymo’s technology continuously monitors its surroundings and can anticipate sudden events, such as pedestrians emerging from obstructed views. According to Ben Loewenstein, head of policy and government affairs for Waymo in the UK and Europe, the technology offers an exceptional level of perception.
The autonomous technology will be integrated into a fleet of electric Jaguar I-Pace cars. However, some skeptics, like Steve McNamara from the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, question the public’s trust in fully autonomous vehicles for everyday transportation needs.
Waymo and other tech firms developing similar self-driving capabilities are optimistic about the public reception in the UK, akin to the positive response in American cities. The rollout of driverless services is anticipated to draw considerable interest, although the acceptance and pricing of this premium service remain uncertain.