An upcoming fleet of autonomous taxis could soon hit the roads of the UK, with plans for a launch this autumn.
Waymo, a US-based company, has revealed its intentions to introduce a fully self-driving taxi service in London by the end of this year. The Mirror was granted early access to Waymo’s advanced autonomous cabs, known as robotaxis, which are currently undergoing test runs on the streets of the capital.
Prior to commencing passenger services, the company must obtain official safety clearance. Waymo, a subsidiary of tech titan Google, asserts that its cutting-edge technology has the potential to significantly reduce traffic accidents, as well as injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.
Although the fares for Waymo’s services are expected to be higher compared to traditional human-operated Uber and black cabs, the company believes it will appeal to individuals who are hesitant to ride with human drivers, especially during nighttime, and those who prioritize privacy.
Nicole Gavel, the senior director and head of business development and strategic partnerships at Waymo, stated, “Our objective is to become the most trusted driver globally. We are confident that we can substantially enhance road safety.” She also described the experience of riding in one of their cabs as “magical.”
While the exact size of the planned London fleet was not disclosed, Waymo currently operates 1,000 vehicles in San Francisco and 700 in Los Angeles. The company has not ruled out expanding its self-driving taxi services to other cities and towns in the UK in the future.
Meanwhile, Uber is also initiating trials for autonomous taxis in London, with Waymo asserting that its advanced vehicles are capable of navigating diverse conditions in the UK, from complex road layouts to inclement weather.
Waymo’s technology is engineered to continuously monitor the surroundings of the vehicle, enabling it to predict sudden events, such as pedestrians stepping out from behind obstacles. Ben Loewenstein, head of policy and government affairs for Waymo in the UK and Europe, claimed that the technology offers an exceptional level of perception.
The company’s technology will be integrated into a fleet of electric Jaguar I-Pace cars. However, there are skeptics, such as Steve McNamara, the general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, who question public trust in autonomous vehicles.
Andy Prendergast, national secretary of the GMB union, highlighted the significant societal impacts of driverless cars and taxis, including potential implications on employment, urging for thorough consideration of these factors.
Notably, Tesla’s self-driving software has been involved in several incidents in the US, including a fatal accident. The technology showcased in Waymo’s London taxis is currently stationary and showcases a sleek and high-tech interior.
Although the exterior of Waymo’s London taxis may stand out with their prominent equipment and cameras, the interior resembles a luxurious vehicle with leather seats. The presence of a touch screen tablet and other sophisticated features hints at the advanced technology within.
For now, human drivers are overseeing the testing phase of Waymo’s autonomous vehicles. The next phase will involve the transition to fully autonomous rides, which is anticipated to be a noteworthy moment for onlookers.
The true potential of the technology will only be realized if Waymo receives approval for fully driverless operations. The company and other innovators in the field are optimistic that British consumers will embrace this technology, akin to their American counterparts, although the willingness to pay a potentially higher price remains uncertain.