Uber driverless taxi plans prompted TfL talks dating back to January
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Uber as the ride-hailing company prepares to introduce driverless taxis in the capital by spring 2026.
In a recent London Assembly plenary session, Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Hina Bokhari asked what steps had been taken to understand the safety implications of Uber’s automated plans.
In response, TfL said it had met with Uber in January 2025 at the company’s request to discuss high-level ideas around an automated passenger service. Further meetings have taken place as part of regular engagements tied to private hire licensing.
Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance also met with Uber last month to talk through a range of issues, including their plans for driverless vehicles.
When asked about the potential impact of automated cars on the wider private hire sector, the Mayor and TfL pointed to the new Automated Vehicles Act 2024. The legislation sets the groundwork for a national permit system to regulate automated passenger services (APS), which will operate similarly to private hire and taxi services.
Key details of the new regulatory framework will be laid out in a forthcoming statutory instrument. TfL has said it will review the draft legislation and participate in the consultation process. The authority also confirmed that further analysis will be required to assess how APS could affect current levels of private hire and other transport ridership.
The introduction of Uber’s automated vehicles will mark a significant development in the capital’s transport network. However, with many questions still to be addressed on safety, regulation and industry impact, the full effects remain under review.
In a written response from the Mayor of London it read: “Transport for London (TfL) met with Uber in January 2025 at their request to explore at a high level how an automated passenger service could operate. TfL also meets Uber regularly as part of its private hire licensing and regulation function. Last month, my Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, met with Uber to discuss a number of topics including their recent announcement on automated passenger services.”
