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The US-based firm Waymo has announced that its autonomous cabs will be operational for hire on London's streets starting next year.

London Becomes Leading European City for Autonomous Taxi Service.

London will emerge as the pioneering European city to host an driverless taxi service, akin to those currently familiar in San Francisco and several American urban centers using Waymo's cutting-edge technology.

Initial Trials to Begin with Safety Drivers.

Waymo announced that its cars are now heading to London and will start operating on the city's streets in the next few weeks with experienced operators behind the wheel.

Waymo – originally formed as a offshoot from Google's autonomous vehicle initiative and belonging to the same parent group – explained it would scale up operations and work closely with the Department for Transport and London's transport agency to obtain the required approvals to offer completely driverless trips by 2026.

Growing Presence in Self-Driving Transport Across London.

Further firms, including Uber and the British technology firm Wayve, have also revealed their own intentions to trial autonomous taxis in the capital next year.

This is in response to the government officials stating it would speed up rules allowing real-world tests to proceed before legislation supporting self-driving vehicles passes in full.

“I am thrilled that Waymo intends to launch their offerings to London next year, under our suggested testing initiative,” commented the official, Heidi Alexander.

“Supporting the autonomous vehicle industry will increase inclusive transport options in addition to creating employment, capital, and opportunities to the UK. Cutting-edge investment like this will help us deliver our objective to be global pioneers in advanced innovation and lead countrywide development.”

Full Launch Projected After Regulatory Framework Takes Effect.

A broader rollout of self-driving vehicles is expected in the UK after the related legislation fully takes effect in 2027.

The Company's Established Connections in the United Kingdom and Internationally.

Waymo already has ties to the UK after opening its first European research base in Oxford in 2019.

It is additionally launching services in Tokyo using JLR electric vehicles, marking its sole additional existing venture beyond the United States.

“We've demonstrated how to safely expand completely driverless ride-hailing, and we can’t wait to expand the positive impacts of our systems to the UK,” stated Waymo's co-chief executive, noting that the technology was “improving road safety and mobility more inclusive”.

Proven Experience in the United States.

Waymo launched its autonomous taxis in 2020 and now claims it has transported in excess of 10 million riders in the United States.

Despite some alarming occurrences, Waymo stated that evidence demonstrated that vehicles driven by people were linked to crashes that hurt walkers at a much higher rate than its self-driving vehicles.