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American company Waymo has announced that its autonomous cabs will be available for hire on London's streets beginning next year.

London Becomes Pioneering European City for Self-Driving Taxi Service.

The UK capital will be established as the inaugural European city to introduce an autonomous taxi service, comparable with those currently in use in San Francisco and several American locations using Waymo's innovative technology.

First Testing Phase to Start with Human Specialists.

Waymo stated that its fleet are currently heading to London and will begin operating on the capital's roads in the next few weeks with safety drivers behind the wheel.

The company – initially formed as a offshoot from Google's autonomous vehicle project and belonging to the Alphabet family – indicated it would expand services and partner with the UK transport authorities and the city's mobility organization to obtain the required licenses to provide completely driverless rides by 2026.

Growing Interest in Autonomous Transport Across London.

Other companies, such as Uber and the UK-based technology firm Wayve, have additionally announced their own intentions to trial autonomous vehicles in the capital next year.

This comes after the UK authorities stating it would speed up rules enabling real-world tests to proceed before legislation enabling driverless transport passes in full.

“It is exciting that Waymo aims to introduce their offerings to London next year, under our proposed piloting scheme,” commented the official, the secretary.

“Supporting the autonomous vehicle sector will increase accessible travel alternatives while also bringing jobs, funding, and possibilities to the UK. Innovative investment like this will assist in achieving our goal to be global pioneers in new technology and spearhead economic growth.”

Complete Introduction Expected After Regulatory Framework Takes Effect.

A broader rollout of driverless vehicles is anticipated in the UK after the related legislation is fully implemented in the latter part of 2027.

The Company's Current Ties in the UK and Beyond.

Waymo currently has connections to the UK after opening its first European engineering hub in Oxford in 2019.

The company is also launching offerings in Tokyo using JLR eco-friendly cars, marking its only other existing project beyond the United States.

“Our experience shows how to safely expand fully autonomous transport solutions, and we are eager to expand the advantages of our technology to the United Kingdom,” said Tekedra Mawakana, explaining that the system was “improving road safety and travel more inclusive”.

Proven History in the United States.

Waymo began its self-driving cabs in 2020 and currently reports it has served over 10 million customers in the United States.

In spite of some concerning incidents, Waymo asserted that statistics showed that cars controlled by people were involved in accidents that harmed pedestrians significantly more frequently than its driverless vehicles.