Podcast Episode
The sightings confirm that Waymo is actively mapping London streets ahead of a planned passenger launch in spring 2026, which would mark the company's first European market and second international expansion following limited testing in Tokyo.
Waymo has partnered with fleet operations company Moove to manage vehicle charging and maintenance in the UK, mirroring arrangements in its US markets. Testing will initially cover a 100-square-mile area of London with human safety drivers before transitioning to fully driverless operation.
Waymo issued a voluntary software recall in December covering over 3,000 vehicles and maintains that its vehicles safely navigate thousands of school bus encounters weekly. The company claims its safety performance around school buses is superior to human drivers, though the investigation will take 12 to 24 months to complete.
In London, black cab drivers have dismissed the incoming service as a "fairground gimmick," while regulators will closely monitor how US safety findings affect the rollout in one of the world's most complex urban driving environments.
Waymo Robotaxis Spotted Testing on London Streets Ahead of Spring Launch
January 27, 2026
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Waymo's distinctive self-driving taxis have been filmed navigating London's roads as the Alphabet-owned company prepares for its first European commercial launch in spring 2026. The testing comes amid intensified US regulatory scrutiny following school bus safety incidents in Texas.
Robotaxis Rolling Through London
Waymo's sensor-laden robotaxis have been spotted weaving through London traffic this month, with videos appearing on social media showing the distinctive vehicles travelling alongside the capital's iconic double-decker buses. In one clip, a driver described the Jaguar I-Pace robotaxi as looking "like an ice cream van" and called it "the future of London driving round here."The sightings confirm that Waymo is actively mapping London streets ahead of a planned passenger launch in spring 2026, which would mark the company's first European market and second international expansion following limited testing in Tokyo.
UK Government Fast-Tracks Approval
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has expressed strong support for the plans, with the UK government accelerating regulations under the Automated Vehicles Act to enable commercial pilots without safety drivers by spring 2026, a full year ahead of the original timeline. The government believes the autonomous vehicle sector could bring 38,000 new jobs and add 42 billion pounds to the economy by 2035.Waymo has partnered with fleet operations company Moove to manage vehicle charging and maintenance in the UK, mirroring arrangements in its US markets. Testing will initially cover a 100-square-mile area of London with human safety drivers before transitioning to fully driverless operation.
Federal Investigations Cloud US Operations
The British ambitions arrive as Waymo faces unprecedented federal oversight at home. On January 23, the National Transportation Safety Board announced an investigation into more than 20 incidents in Austin, Texas, where Waymo vehicles failed to stop for school buses loading or unloading students with their stop signs activated.Waymo issued a voluntary software recall in December covering over 3,000 vehicles and maintains that its vehicles safely navigate thousands of school bus encounters weekly. The company claims its safety performance around school buses is superior to human drivers, though the investigation will take 12 to 24 months to complete.
Miami Makes Six
Despite the regulatory headwinds, Waymo launched its sixth US market on January 22, with Miami riders gaining access to the service. Nearly 10,000 residents have signed up for the initial 60-square-mile service area, with plans to expand to Miami International Airport. The company reported completing 14 million paid rides in 2025, with over 450,000 weekly trips by December.In London, black cab drivers have dismissed the incoming service as a "fairground gimmick," while regulators will closely monitor how US safety findings affect the rollout in one of the world's most complex urban driving environments.
Published January 27, 2026 at 12:34pm
