An upcoming deployment of autonomous taxis is set to hit UK streets starting this fall. Waymo, a US company, has announced plans to introduce its fully self-driving taxi service in London by the end of the year. The Mirror was granted early access to Waymo’s AI-driven autonomous cabs, known as robotaxis, which are currently undergoing trials on London’s roads.
Prior to commencing passenger service, Waymo must receive official safety clearance. The company, a subsidiary of Google, asserts that its advanced technology has the potential to significantly reduce traffic accidents as well as pedestrian and cyclist injuries.
Although fares for Waymo’s autonomous cabs are expected to be higher compared to traditional human-operated Uber and black cabs, the service aims to attract individuals who prefer not to be driven by humans, particularly at night, and those who value privacy.
Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s senior director of business development and strategic partnerships, stated, “Our aim is to become the most trusted driver in the world,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to enhancing road safety. Waymo envisions its cab rides as a “magical experience.”
While the size of Waymo’s planned London fleet remains undisclosed, the company currently operates 1,000 vehicles in San Francisco and 700 in Los Angeles. Waymo has not ruled out expanding its self-driving taxi service to other cities and towns across the UK.
In a parallel initiative, Uber is also testing robotaxis in London. Waymo executives are confident that their cutting-edge vehicles can handle the diverse driving conditions in the UK, including complex road networks and adverse weather.
The company’s technology is engineered to continuously monitor its surroundings and predict unexpected events, such as pedestrians suddenly emerging from obscured locations. According to Ben Loewenstein, Waymo’s head of policy and government affairs for the UK and Europe, the technology offers an exceptional level of perception.
Waymo plans to equip a fleet of electric Jaguar I-Pace cars with its autonomous driving technology. However, some skeptics, like Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, question the public’s readiness to trust autonomous systems for transportation, raising concerns about potential social implications, including unemployment.
Tesla’s self-driving software has faced scrutiny due to its involvement in multiple accidents in the US, including fatal incidents. As Waymo’s driverless service progresses, the company is aiming to provide a safe and seamless transportation experience, leveraging state-of-the-art technology to navigate the roads with precision.