Uber launches what it says is the UK’s first robotaxi service on London’s streets, beginning on Thursday with self-driving vehicles available to hire. The rollout includes 15 robotaxis, which use Uber’s app to offer rides while operating without a traditional driver in control of the vehicle.
Across reports, the vehicles still carry a human safety driver inside. The driver’s presence is described as a requirement for safety during the initial launch, though one outlet notes it is not yet clear how long this arrangement will continue. The BBC also documents the experience of riding in one of the new taxis, describing how the cars operate during a live service.
While outlets broadly agree on the start of the service and the inclusion of safety drivers, they differ in emphasis: the BBC focuses on the ride experience and how the service works for passengers, while the Evening Standard highlights the milestone of putting self-driving taxis into public hire and the uncertainty around the timeline for removing the safety driver.
