An upcoming development in the UK could see a fleet of autonomous taxis hitting the roads as early as this autumn.
Waymo, a leading 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 an exclusive preview of Waymo’s innovative driverless cabs, known as robotaxis, which are currently undergoing testing on the streets of the capital.
Prior to offering rides to customers, the service must receive official safety approval. Waymo, a subsidiary of tech giant Google, touts its advanced technology as capable of significantly reducing traffic accidents, as well as injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.
Although fares for Waymo’s autonomous taxis are expected to be higher than those of traditional Uber and black cabs, the company believes it will attract individuals who prefer being driven by technology rather than a human driver, especially in scenarios like late-night travel or for privacy reasons.
Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s senior director of business development and strategic partnerships, expressed the company’s commitment to becoming the most trusted driver globally, emphasizing the potential for improving road safety. She also highlighted the unique and enjoyable experience of riding in one of their driverless cabs.
While the exact size of the planned London fleet remains undisclosed, Waymo currently operates 1,000 vehicles in San Francisco and 700 in Los Angeles. The company has not ruled out expanding its self-driving taxi services to other cities and towns across the UK in the future.
Meanwhile, Uber is also initiating trials for its own robotaxis in London. Waymo officials are confident in their technology’s ability to adapt to the diverse conditions in the UK, including complex road layouts and adverse weather conditions like heavy rain.
The company’s technology is designed to continuously monitor its surroundings and predict potential hazards, such as pedestrians suddenly emerging from obstructed views.
According to Ben Loewenstein, head of policy and government affairs for Waymo in the UK and Europe, the technology offers a heightened level of perception akin to superhuman capabilities.
Waymo’s cutting-edge technology will be integrated into a fleet of electric Jaguar I-Pace cars.
Despite the company’s optimism, some critics, like Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, question public trust in autonomous systems, raising concerns about safety, especially when transporting children.
Andy Prendergast from the GMB highlighted the significant societal impacts of driverless vehicles, urging thorough consideration of issues like unemployment resulting from automation.
Notably, Tesla’s self-driving software has faced scrutiny following multiple accidents in the US, including fatal incidents.
Currently stationary, Waymo’s London taxis boast a futuristic design with prominent rooftop equipment and strategically placed cameras.
Internally, the vehicles offer a luxurious experience with leather seating and advanced features like rear touch screen tablets, signaling a departure from traditional taxi interiors.
Although human drivers remain in control during testing, Waymo plans to transition to fully autonomous operations, a move that is sure to capture public attention.
The true potential of the technology will be realized if Waymo secures approval for fully driverless operations.
Waymo and similar companies are hopeful that the UK populace will embrace autonomous transportation, mirroring the acceptance seen in American cities. However, the willingness to pay a potentially substantial premium for driverless rides remains uncertain.