Uber Launches Autonomous Vehicle Trials in Manchester

Uber Technologies Inc. has launched a trial of autonomous vehicles in Manchester, partnering with technology firms Pony.ai and Verne. The current phase focuses on mapping city streets using vehicles with safety drivers behind the wheel and no passengers.

This expansion follows the company's recent rollout of autonomous services in London and Zagreb, Croatia. While the vehicles operate under licenses from the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Uber has not yet submitted an official application to launch passenger services in Greater Manchester.

Transport for Greater Manchester stated that safety is the top priority and that new technologies must be introduced responsibly. The initiative faces opposition from the GMB and ADCU unions, which warn that the transition to robotaxis could lead to significant job losses for drivers. Uber aims to offer robotaxi trips in up to 15 cities globally by the end of 2026, focusing primarily on the United States and the Middle East.