Uber launches first self-driving taxis in London after cutting thousands of jobs
European streets pose a particular challenge to autonomous vehicles, and regulators have been much slower than in the US to approve them
- Why it matters
- Uber is testing autonomous vehicles in a major European city where regulators have been slower to approve them than in the US, suggesting a shift in deployment strategy despite workforce reductions.
- Most affected
- London passengers using Uber — can now request rides in self-driving vehicles where the service operates.
Uber drivers in London — face competition from autonomous vehicles in their existing market. - Likely next
- whether London's transport regulator approves expansion of the service beyond its initial area or imposes restrictions.