Uber has initiated trials of autonomous vehicles in Manchester, marking the company’s effort to establish robotaxi services across multiple UK cities. The testing involves vehicles equipped with self-driving technology developed by Pony and Verne, firms with which Uber recently launched Europe’s first autonomous taxi service in Zagreb. During the current trial phase, vehicles are operating with safety drivers and no passengers while mapping city streets.
The company previously commenced limited passenger services in London last month using autonomous vehicles supplied by Wayve, with a safety driver present in compliance with Transport for London’s private hire vehicle licensing requirements. Uber stated its intention to make autonomous vehicle technology more widely available to people throughout the United Kingdom.
The expansion plans have generated significant opposition from various quarters. Taxi driver unions including the GMB and ADCU have raised concerns about potential job losses and have advocated for support programs for affected workers. A recent report from London’s transport committee raised questions about the claimed benefits of autonomous passenger vehicles and flagged concerns regarding public transport impact, congestion, safety assurances, and accessibility considerations for disabled passengers.
Transport for Greater Manchester officials have indicated that while no formal applications to operate driverless taxis in the region have been submitted, the organization is aware of potential company interest. Authorities emphasized that safety will remain the primary consideration and stated that strong assurances would be required before approving any autonomous taxi operations.
Uber has announced plans to offer robotaxi services in approximately 15 cities worldwide by the end of 2026, with the majority of expansions expected in the United States and Middle East regions.
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