Uber has commenced a trial of autonomous vehicles in Manchester, aiming to introduce robotaxis to cities across the UK. The self-driving cars are operating with technology from partner firms Pony and Verne, who recently launched Europe’s first autonomous taxi service in Zagreb, Croatia.
The current tests involve mapping Manchester's streets with a safety driver present and no passengers in the vehicles. These operations are under a government licence via the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Department for Transport.
While limited passenger services with a safety driver began last month in London, there has been no official application to launch passenger services in Manchester. Transport for Greater Manchester has stated that safety is their top priority and they would require strong assurances for any driverless vehicles operating in the region.
Uber has expressed excitement about making this technology accessible across the UK and expects to offer robotaxi trips in up to 15 cities globally by the end of 2026, primarily in the US and the Middle East.