Uber launches first self-driving taxi pilot on European continent

Zagreb has become the first city in Europe where Uber users can book a ride in a self-driving taxi, marking a new step in the rollout of autonomous transport across the continent.

Uber’s robotaxi service became available since August 19 in key areas of the Croatian capital, according to the US company’s press statement, including the city centre, with coverage expected to expand over time.

The pilot project is part of a partnership between Uber, Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai and Croatian mobility start-up Verne.

Zagreb is the first European market covered by the partnership. The Croatian capital already has experience with autonomous driving services, with Verne launching its own robotaxi service in the city in April.

Named after French novelist Jules Verne, the Croatian mobility company is a spin-off of Zagreb-based electric supercar manufacturer Rimac, which was founded in 2009 by Croatian-German entrepreneur and technology innovator Mate Rimac.

However, Uber’s robotaxi service in Zagreb will not initially be fully driverless. As part of the phased rollout, a licensed operator will be present in each vehicle to monitor safety. Fully autonomous operations are expected to be introduced at a later stage, according to Uber.

The launch follows a partnership agreement between the three companies announced in March, under which each partner is responsible for a different part of the service.

Pony.ai provides the autonomous driving technology, while Verne owns and operates the fleet. Uber integrates the service into its existing ride-hailing platform.

The companies said the Zagreb deployment is intended to serve as a model for expansion into other European cities. Further details about the next markets are expected to be announced later this year.

By Nazrin Sadigova