Waymo is finally crossing the Atlantic – London robotaxis launch in 2026
Key Points
- UK government opens applications on 22 May 2026 for firms to run self-driving taxi and bus services across Great Britain
- Waymo targeting Q4 2026 for fully driverless commercial launch in London, its first European market
- Uber and British firm Wayve also planning London robotaxi services under the pilot scheme
- Human error contributes to 88% of UK road collisions, government cites as key safety driver
- UK automated passenger services market projected at £3.70 billion annually by 2040, sector adding £42 billion to economy by 2035
Waymo will launch its first European driverless ride-hailing service in London later this year, as the UK government today opens applications for operators to run self-driving taxi and bus services across Great Britain.
The Department for Transport’s Automated Passenger Services pilot scheme begins accepting applications from Friday (22 May), allowing approved firms to carry paying passengers on British roads.
Waymo, owned by Google parent Alphabet, has confirmed it will target London for its first commercial deployment outside the US, where it currently provides over 500,000 rides each week across 11 metropolitan areas.
Uber and British self-driving technology firm Wayve have also signalled intent to launch services in the capital under the scheme.
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said the pilot would bring the technology to British consumers under strict government oversight.
“Self-driving vehicles represent a transformative opportunity for Britain, opening up independent travel for disabled people and older adults, while driving growth and creating high-skilled jobs across the UK,” he said.
Services will face safety assessments covering cyber security threats and road behaviour, and will require local consent from authorities such as Transport for London before launching.
Waymo Jaguar I-Pace vehicles have been mapping London streets since autumn 2025 in partnership with fleet operator Moove, with safety drivers behind the wheel during data collection.
The company is targeting a fully driverless commercial launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
“London has long been a pioneering city for Uber, where we’ve launched some of our biggest innovations and we can’t wait to give people in the capital the chance to experience autonomous rides this year,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery at Uber.
The government estimates human error contributes to 88% of collisions on UK roads, and ministers have framed automated vehicles as a road safety measure alongside an industrial opportunity.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders forecasts the UK automated passenger services market will be worth £3.70 billion annually by 2040, with the wider self-driving sector projected to add up to £42 billion to the economy and create 38,000 jobs by 2035.
“Today is a significant milestone in the safe and responsible rollout of automated vehicles on British roads,” said Mike Hawes, Chief Executive at SMMT.
He added that the legislation positions Britain as a leading European market for automated vehicles.
