London has entered a new phase of autonomous transport after Uber and British AI company Wayve launched the UK’s first autonomous ride-hailing service in the capital.

The service, launched on September 3, uses Wayve’s artificial-intelligence driving technology in a small fleet of all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The launch marks a major step for Britain’s self-driving technology sector and brings autonomous passenger journeys onto a UK ride-hailing platform.

The vehicles are designed to use AI to navigate London’s complex roads and traffic conditions. At the initial stage, a trained human safety driver remains in the vehicle to monitor the system, meaning the service is not yet a fully driverless passenger operation.

The launch could accelerate the development of autonomous vehicles, AI-powered mobility and self-driving technology in the UK, while providing Wayve with real-world experience in one of Europe's most challenging urban environments.

For Britain’s technology industry, the partnership represents an important commercial test of home-grown AI technology and could help shape the future of robotaxis and autonomous public transport.