Waymo is launching a driverless taxi service in London.

Waymo Takes Initial Steps for Driverless Taxi Service in London

Waymo, owned by Alphabet (GOOGL, GOOG), announced plans to launch a driverless taxi service in London by 2025. This strategic move aims to enhance the company's international influence in the autonomous mobility sector.

A New Era for Safe Transportation in London

Waymo emphasized that its driverless vehicles will integrate into London's existing transportation system, which includes buses, the underground, bicycles, and pedestrian infrastructure. The service will be easily accessible to users via the Waymo app.

In the coming months, Waymo is collaborating with its fleet operations partner, Moove, to make the necessary preparations for the launch of this service. Additionally, discussions with local and national authorities are ongoing, and steps are being taken to obtain the necessary approvals.

The Power of Autonomous Technology

Waymo's autonomous driving technology has performed over 100 million miles on public roads in the U.S. The company has a significant network supporting safe driving, with over 10 million paid rides.

Waymo Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana stated, "Waymo makes the roads safer in the regions where we operate and makes our transportation services more accessible. We are demonstrating how we can responsibly scale our fully autonomous taxi service and are looking forward to sharing the benefits of this technology with the people of the United Kingdom."

Deep Ties with the United Kingdom

Waymo is strengthening its connections with the United Kingdom by continuing advanced simulation work in the field of autonomous driving at its engineering centers in London and Oxford. In this context, through its collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover, electric I-PACE vehicles equipped with Waymo Driver are providing autonomous driving services in the U.S. and Tokyo.

Waymo supports its claim that it will contribute to London's transportation safety goals with data showing five times fewer injury rates and twelve times fewer pedestrian accidents compared to human drivers.

Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), emphasized the significance of this development, stating, "Waymo's introduction in the United Kingdom represents the beginning of independent mobility opportunities for visually impaired individuals."