An army of autonomous taxis may hit the streets of the UK as early as this autumn. Waymo, a US company, has revealed plans to introduce its fully self-driving taxi service in London by the end of this year. The Mirror was granted an exclusive preview of Waymo’s AI-powered driverless cabs, also known as robotaxis, which are currently undergoing tests in the city.
Before commencing passenger services, Waymo must receive official safety approval. The company, a division of tech giant Google, asserts that its advanced technology has the potential to significantly reduce traffic accidents, as well as injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.
Although fares for Waymo’s autonomous taxis are expected to be higher than those for traditional Uber and black cabs, the service aims to attract individuals who prefer autonomous driving, especially during night hours, and those who value privacy.
Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s senior director and head of business development and strategic partnerships, emphasized the company’s commitment to becoming the most trusted driver globally. She believes that Waymo’s services can enhance road safety significantly, describing the experience of riding in their cabs as “magical.”
While Waymo has not disclosed the size of its planned London fleet, it currently operates 1,000 vehicles in San Francisco and 700 in Los Angeles. The company has not ruled out expanding its self-driving cab services to other cities and towns in the UK in the future.
In a parallel development, Uber is also testing robotaxis in London. Waymo executives are confident that their advanced vehicles can adapt to the diverse conditions in the UK, ranging from complex road layouts to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain.
Waymo’s technology is engineered to continuously monitor the surroundings of the vehicle, enabling it to anticipate unexpected events like pedestrians suddenly appearing from behind obstacles. According to Ben Loewenstein, head of policy and government affairs for Waymo in the UK and Europe, the technology offers a level of perception that surpasses human capabilities.
Waymo’s advanced technology will be integrated into a fleet of electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. However, some individuals, such as Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, express skepticism about the public’s acceptance of autonomous vehicles, highlighting concerns about trust and safety.
As the autonomous vehicle industry progresses, there are ongoing discussions about the social implications of driverless cars and their potential impact on employment. Waymo and other companies developing similar technologies are anticipating a positive reception in the UK, mirroring the acceptance seen in American cities. Nonetheless, the true test will be the public’s willingness to pay potentially higher prices for a ride in a driverless vehicle.