Waymo to launch fully driverless ride-hailing service in London by 2026

Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, has announced plans to launch a fully driverless ride-hailing service in London by 2026, marking its first European deployment and a significant milestone in UK urban mobility.

Waymo will partner with fleet operator Moove to manage logistics, maintenance, and charging infrastructure. Initial testing with safety drivers is expected to begin in 2025, with full autonomy contingent on regulatory approval.

The company is actively engaging with Transport for London and the Department for Transport to secure permissions under the framework of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which introduces legal standards for autonomous vehicles to match the performance of a “careful and competent human driver”.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the announcement, citing benefits for safety, accessibility, and investment. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) also expressed support, highlighting the potential for autonomous vehicles to expand mobility options for blind and partially sighted individuals.

The Institute of Licensing submitted evidence to the government’s consultation on automated passenger services, calling for clear local consent, robust safeguards, and transparent licensing pathways. The Institute emphasized that local authorities must retain the ability to assess and approve autonomous services based on community needs, safety standards, and operational impact. It warned against a centralised permitting scheme that could bypass local oversight and undermine public confidence in emerging technologies.