Robotaxis are set to hit the roads in the United Kingdom, as confirmed by US company Waymo. London has been chosen as the first European city for the deployment of their driverless cabs. Initial testing with a human “safety driver” onboard will commence in the upcoming weeks as Waymo seeks approval from Transport for London to introduce autonomous rides by next year.
In a similar move, Uber has also revealed plans to launch self-driving taxis in London in the following year. This development has raised concerns, particularly regarding the potential impact on the approximately 330,000 taxi and private hire drivers in England. Despite these concerns, Steve McNamara, the general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, expressed skepticism towards the autonomous competitors, suggesting that such technology may face challenges gaining public trust.
Another notable concern is the safety aspect in the absence of a human driver. Waymo highlights its technology’s track record in reducing road injuries and fatalities where it is operational. The company claims significantly fewer serious accidents compared to human drivers and emphasizes its ability to avoid collisions effectively.
Waymo’s self-driving taxis have been operational in various US cities for years, including Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Austin. With over one hundred million fully autonomous miles driven and more than 10 million paid rides, Waymo is now eager to introduce its services to London.
The company assures that pricing for their rides will be competitive and comparable to other ride-hailing services, while offering a premium level of reliability, safety, and comfort to customers. Waymo has already expanded internationally, initiating tests in Japan earlier this year with plans for commercial service introduction in the future.
As Waymo ventures into the UK market, it is required to comply with new regulations governing self-driving cars. These regulations demand a safety level equivalent to that of competent human drivers and stringent safety checks. Waymo will participate in a pilot program for “small-scale” self-driving taxi and bus services scheduled for spring next year.
Heidi Alexander from Transport expressed enthusiasm for Waymo’s upcoming services in London, emphasizing the potential for technological advancements to drive positive changes in communities. Additionally, Robin Spinks from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) highlighted the potential of Waymo’s introduction in the UK to enhance mobility options for blind and partially sighted individuals, fostering a new era of independent travel possibilities.