Waymo is bringing fully autonomous, driverless ride-hailing to London in 2026
Key Takeaways
- Waymo plans to launch its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in London, UK, starting in 2026.
- This marks Waymo's second international vehicular expansion after operating exclusively in US cities for years.
- Waymo is partnering with fleet operations specialist Moove and is currently seeking necessary permissions from UK authorities.
- The expansion has received positive reception from UK officials and accessibility groups, citing safety and mobility benefits.
- It is currently unknown how the autonomous system will adapt to the unique road conditions in the UK.
Waymo has officially announced its intention to roll out its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in London, UK, starting in 2026, which will be its second international vehicular expansion after a limited launch in Tokyo. To prepare for this move across the pond, Waymo is collaborating with fleet operations specialist Moove and will spend the coming months securing the required permissions from UK authorities. The company, which has logged over one hundred million autonomous miles in the US, aims to complement London's existing transport infrastructure with rides booked via the Waymo app. Officials, including the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander, have welcomed the news, citing potential benefits like job creation and increased accessible transport options. Furthermore, safety advocates like the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) see the introduction as a potential 'dawn of a new era in independent mobility options,' supported by Waymo's data showing fewer injury-causing collisions compared to human drivers. However, it remains unclear how the Waymo Driver system will adapt to the notoriously different road conditions in the UK.
