Uber launches UK's first robotaxis

The UK's first robotaxis, launched by Uber, has been hailed as a major breakthrough in autonomous transportation. The ride-hailing app has partnered with Wayve to develop self-driving taxis for London's streets.

Initially, the 15 autonomous vehicles will have safety drivers inside, ready to take control if anything goes wrong. This move is seen as a significant step towards making self-driving cars a reality in the UK.

Uber said it surveyed London-based customers via the app and more than 100,000 said they would choose a self-driving taxi if one was available, despite incidents of driverless rides malfunctioning in US cities where they already operate.

As I found out when I became the first UK journalist to hail one, it was mostly smooth but the safety driver did intervene on one occasion.

At the moment the UK fare for a robotaxi ride will be the same fare as a standard UberX, Uber Electric, or Uber Comfort journey, with upfront fares shown in the app.

Taking a self-driving ride will only appear as an option in the app after the journey has been booked, and if one of its cars is available nearby.

Uber's global head of autonomous mobility and delivery Sarfraz Maredia said the plan was to phase them in over a period of several years.