Self-Driving Taxis Set To Hit London’s Streets In 2026

The impending arrival of self-driving taxis on London’s streets has sparked both excitement and trepidation. By 2026, the city’s roads may be home to autonomous vehicles from major players like Uber and Lyft, in partnership with the Chinese tech giant Baidu. According to a report, these trials will mark a significant milestone in the development of autonomous technology, with the potential to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance road safety.

London is poised to become a battleground for US and Chinese autonomous vehicle companies, as Uber and Lyft prepare to launch their separate trials. This move follows Waymo, a self-driving company owned by Alphabet, which recently commenced supervised tests in London. Lyft’s CEO, David Risher, has revealed that the company’s trials will utilize Apollo Go RT6 vehicles, specifically designed for rideshare services.

With regulatory approval pending, Lyft expects to deploy an initial fleet of dozens of vehicles next year. Meanwhile, Wayve, a London-based start-up, has secured approximately $1 billion in funding from SoftBank and Uber to test self-driving taxis in 2026. Wayve’s AI technology is noteworthy for its ability to navigate complex streets without relying on pre-made maps.