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Waymo Plans Fully Driverless Robotaxi Service in London by Late 2026
The NHTSA is investigating whether Waymo’s driverless vehicle followed safety protocols after striking a child near a Santa Monica elementary school during morning drop-off hours.
- This year, Waymo intends to launch a fully driverless ride-hailing service in London by the fourth quarter of 2026, Ben Loewenstein, Waymo's head of policy and government affairs for the UK and Europe, revealed.
- The UK government plans to change rules in the second half of 2026 to allow driverless taxis and supports Waymo through passenger pilots and pro-innovation regulations, Lilian Greenwood said.
- Waymo is mapping London streets with safety drivers during the mapping and data collection phase, using four sensor systems and an onboard computer; an April pilot will let passengers hail robotaxis via the Waymo app once rules permit, excluding airport drop-offs.
- Officials estimate the sector could add �42 billion and create over 2,500 jobs by 2035, as Waymo's entry will intensify UK competition, including with Uber-backed startup Wayve and local partner Moove.
- So far, Waymo has driven 173 million miles fully autonomously and logged 14 million paid Robotaxi rides in 2025, though service disruptions and recalls have increased sanctions of scrutiny.
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Total News Sources46
Leaning Left9Leaning Right6Center19Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 26%
C 56%
R 18%
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