Prime Highlights:
- Uber and Lyft plan to launch Baidu’s self-driving robotaxis in London, marking a major step for driverless taxis in the UK.
- Baidu’s robotaxis are part of a broader plan to expand services and shape the future of city travel.
Key Facts:
- Baidu currently operates in 22 cities globally, completing over 250,000 trips per week.
- Waymo, a key competitor, also plans to test self-driving cars in London in 2026.
Background:
London will soon see self-driving cars as Uber and Lyft plan to bring Baidu’s robotaxis to the city. This is an important step for driverless taxis in the UK after the government allowed them on public roads.
Baidu, the Chinese company that makes Apollo Go cars, will provide the vehicles. The vehicles will operate through Uber’s and Lyft’s apps, offering Londoners a new travel option while highlighting the city’s growing focus on smart mobility.
Lyft revealed that initial testing of Baidu’s fleet will begin in 2026, pending regulatory approval. The pilot will start with dozens of vehicles, with plans to expand to hundreds in the near future, according to Lyft CEO David Risher. Uber will start its first self-driving car trial in the first half of 2026, focusing on safe and reliable travel.
The UK is becoming a popular market for self-driving taxis. The government plans to allow small pilot programs from spring 2026. London is also working toward its “Vision Zero” goal to stop serious road injuries and deaths by 2041, with self-driving cars helping to reach this target.
Baidu operates in 22 cities and completes over 250,000 trips a week. Waymo will also test self-driving cars in London in 2026.
Baidu’s robotaxis are a big step for city travel and part of Uber, Lyft, and Baidu’s plan to expand services.
