Uber has begun testing autonomous vehicles on Manchester’s streets as part of its broader push to introduce robotaxis across the United Kingdom. The trial utilizes technology developed by partner companies Pony and Verne, the same firms behind Europe’s first autonomous taxi service that launched recently in Zagreb. The testing phase involves mapping city streets with a safety driver present and no passengers on board.
The company has already initiated limited passenger services in London last month using vehicles provided by Wayve under Transport for London’s licensing framework for private hire vehicles. These services similarly operate with a safety driver in the vehicle. Uber indicated its intention to extend robotaxi availability to people throughout the UK, though specific timelines and expansion plans remain under development.
The rollout faces significant opposition from multiple quarters. Driver unions including the GMB and ADCU have voiced concerns about potential job losses for thousands of taxi drivers and have requested support for affected workers. A recent report from London’s assembly transport committee raised questions about the benefits of autonomous vehicles and flagged concerns regarding public transport impacts, congestion, safeguarding, and accessibility for disabled passengers. The committee also recommended that the government transfer regulatory authority over autonomous taxi services to local authorities.
In Manchester specifically, no formal applications have been submitted to operate driverless taxi services. Transport for Greater Manchester officials stated that safety remains the primary consideration and emphasized the need for responsible introduction of new technologies. They indicated awareness of company interest in the market but made clear that strong assurances would be required before any autonomous vehicles operate in the region.
Uber announced expectations to offer robotaxi services in as many as 15 cities globally by the end of 2026, with the majority of these deployments anticipated in the United States and the Middle East.
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