An upcoming fleet of autonomous taxis could be hitting the streets of the UK as early as this fall. Waymo, a US company, has revealed its plans to introduce a fully self-driving taxi service in London by the end of this year. The Mirror was granted an exclusive preview of Waymo’s advanced autonomous cabs, also known as robotaxis, which are currently undergoing testing in the city.
Before being authorized to transport passengers, Waymo’s driverless cabs must receive official safety approval. The company, a subsidiary of Google, asserts that its cutting-edge technology has the potential to significantly reduce traffic accidents, as well as pedestrian and cyclist injuries. Despite the expected higher fares compared to traditional human-operated Uber and black cabs, Waymo believes its service will attract individuals who are hesitant about human drivers, especially during nighttime travels, and those seeking enhanced privacy.
Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s senior director and head of business development and strategic partnerships, stated, “Our aim is to become the most trusted driver globally. We are confident that we can make a meaningful impact on road safety.” She described the experience of riding in one of their cabs as “magical.”
Although the introduction of Waymo’s driverless cabs will lead to increased vehicles on the road, the company has not disclosed the size of its planned London fleet, having already deployed 1,000 in San Francisco and 700 in Los Angeles. Waymo 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 commencing trials of robotaxis in London. Waymo executives claim that their advanced vehicles are well-equipped to handle the diverse driving conditions in the UK, ranging from complex road layouts to adverse weather conditions like heavy rain. The technology is designed to continuously monitor the surroundings of the vehicle and predict unexpected events, such as pedestrians suddenly appearing from behind obstacles.
Ben Loewenstein, head of policy and government affairs for Waymo in the UK and Europe, emphasized the exceptional perception capabilities of their technology, describing it as having a “superhuman level of perception.” The company’s advanced technology will be integrated into a fleet of electric Jaguar I-Pace cars.
Despite the optimism surrounding autonomous vehicles, there are skeptics like Steve McNamara from the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, who questions the public’s trust in automated systems for tasks like transporting children. Andy Prendergast, GMB national secretary, highlighted the significant societal impacts of driverless cars, including potential repercussions on employment, urging for a thorough examination of these implications.
While Tesla’s self-driving software has faced challenges in the US, including accidents and fatalities, Waymo’s driverless cabs in London are currently stationary, showcasing their luxurious and high-tech features. The distinctive exterior design of Waymo’s London taxis, with prominent equipment mounted on top and various cameras, contrasts with the sophisticated interior that resembles a conventional luxury vehicle, complete with leather seats and innovative gadgets.
Although human drivers are currently overseeing Waymo’s testing phase, the company plans to transition to fully autonomous operation in the future. The success of this transition will determine the full realization of Waymo’s cutting-edge technology, which aims to replicate the positive reception experienced in American cities among British consumers. As public interest in driverless rides grows, the willingness of individuals to pay potentially higher prices for this premium service remains to be seen.