Uber and Lyft to test Baidu’s driverless taxis in London starting 2026

Ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft have revealed plans to begin testing Chinese-made autonomous taxis on UK roads in 2026 through partnerships with Baidu, the technology giant behind the Apollo Go driverless service. The companies aim to gain regulatory approval to trial the vehicles in London, where they hope to demonstrate the safety and efficiency of the technology. Apollo Go already operates across dozens of Chinese cities and has completed millions of rides without a driver. UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the development as part of Britain’s broader strategy to advance self-driving vehicle technology, calling it a ‘vote of confidence’ in the government’s framework for responsible innovation. However, the announcement has also drawn scepticism from academics and the public. According to a recent YouGov survey, nearly 60% of UK respondents said they would not feel comfortable riding in a driverless taxi, and 85% would still choose a human driver. Experts like Professor Jack Stilgoe of University College London warned that scaling such technologies requires careful regulation and that driverless cars could worsen congestion if not managed properly. Waymo’s recent issues in San Francisco were cited as a reminder of ongoing safety concerns. Lyft plans to begin with a limited number of Apollo Go cars in London, gradually expanding if approved, while Uber says it wants to help make the UK a leader in the global autonomous mobility market.