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The US-based company Waymo has announced that its autonomous taxis will be on offer for booking on London's streets beginning next year.

UK Capital Named as First European City for Autonomous Cab Service.

London will be established as the pioneering European city to introduce an autonomous taxi service, comparable with those currently familiar in multiple US cities and four other American locations using Waymo's innovative platform.

First Trials to Commence with Trained Operators.

Waymo announced that its cars are now heading to London and will start operating on the city's streets in the near future with safety drivers supervising the vehicles.

The company – originally formed as a derivative from the tech giant's self-driving car program and part of the same parent group – explained it would scale up services and work closely with the Department for Transport and London's transport agency to secure the necessary approvals to offer fully autonomous services by 2026.

Expanding Interest in Autonomous Mobility In London.

Other organizations, including Uber and the UK-based tech company Wayve, have also declared their own plans to pilot driverless taxis in the city next year.

This follows the UK authorities stating it would fast-track regulations allowing public trials to occur before legislation supporting self-driving vehicles passes in full.

“I am thrilled that Waymo intends to introduce their services to London next year, under our suggested testing initiative,” stated the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander.

“Strengthening the autonomous vehicle market will increase available travel alternatives while also generating employment, funding, and opportunities to the UK. Innovative funding like this will support our mission to be world leaders in new technology and drive national renewal.”

Comprehensive Introduction Projected After Automated Vehicles Act Comes into Force.

A more extensive introduction of self-driving cabs is projected in the UK after the related legislation is fully implemented in the latter part of 2027.

Waymo's Existing Presence in the UK and Beyond.

Waymo already has connections to Britain after establishing its pioneering European research base in Oxford in 2019.

The company is furthermore launching services in Tokyo using Jaguar Land Rover EVs, marking its second current operation beyond the United States.

“Evidence confirms how to responsibly scale totally self-driving transport solutions, and we look forward to expand the advantages of our systems to the Britain,” stated Tekedra Mawakana, adding that the innovation was “enhancing transport security and transportation more accessible”.

Proven History in the US.

Waymo began its autonomous taxis in 2020 and now states it has served more than 10 million customers in the United States.

Despite some alarming events, Waymo indicated that data revealed that cars driven by drivers were involved in crashes that harmed walkers at a much higher rate than its autonomous vehicles.