An army of autonomous taxis, known as ‘robotaxis,’ is set to arrive in the UK next year following their successful deployment in the US.
Baidu has joined forces with Lyft, a major competitor of Uber, through its Apollo Go taxi service. Plans are underway to introduce a self-driving taxi service in the UK and Germany by 2026, amid stiff competition from various international players. The Sunderland Advanced Mobility Shuttle project is currently conducting trials of an autonomous shuttle that operates emission-free on public roads, marking a significant milestone for the region. In contrast, driverless taxis have been a common sight in the US since 2020, completing millions of trips across multiple cities.
The Mirror recently conducted a ‘test ride’ of Waymo’s driverless taxis in LA to provide insight into what UK commuters and passengers can expect.
Upon arriving in the US, a peculiar sight caught the attention of the author. During a brief 20-minute journey from Los Angeles airport to Venice Beach, a fully electric Jaguar I-Pace SUV pulled up beside their vehicle at a traffic light, with a passenger in the backseat and no visible driver. Such scenes are becoming increasingly familiar in the sprawling urban landscape, presenting a novel experience for visitors from the UK.
While there is resistance to the technology, with the US restricting entry of Chinese operators by 2027, California-based Waymo has successfully transported passengers on millions of trips across the country.
The future of transportation is swiftly approaching, as indicated by the author’s recent taxi experience in Newcastle. What used to be a conventional taxi ride to the airport now involves stepping into a Waymo driverless vehicle, eliminating the customary driver-passenger interaction.
Boarding a Waymo is a unique experience, with retractable door handles that activate upon unlocking via the app. Once inside, a computerized female voice prompts passengers to confirm readiness for the journey and advises against exiting unless necessary. The surreal sight of a steering wheel moving autonomously adds to the futuristic ambiance reminiscent of magical transformations seen in movies.
The journey through the serene streets of Venice Beach provides a glimpse of the seamless navigation abilities of Waymo, with calculated lane changes and adherence to traffic signals. Passengers can track their ride progress via the app, ensuring a transparent and user-friendly experience akin to traditional ride-hailing services.
During the ride, which included multiple passengers, the vehicle maintained a leisurely pace, showcasing its precision in navigating through various traffic scenarios. Despite the advanced technology at play, the cost of the trip remained affordable, reflecting the potential for widespread adoption once fully operational.
Safety measures onboard, including a strict policy against alcohol and drugs, underline the commitment to passenger well-being. As the journey concludes, passengers are reminded to check for belongings before disembarking, while the driverless vehicle seamlessly transitions to its next assignment.
The ultimate test for driverless technology lies in its capability to navigate complex environments like LA freeways, UK motorways, or bustling London streets. This impending challenge will shape the future of autonomous travel for passengers in the UK in the coming year.
