Uber's First European AV Rides Launch
The ride-hailing giant has partnered with Pony.ai and Verne to offer autonomous vehicle rides in Zagreb, Croatia, with a safety driver present, and plans to expand to other European cities later this year
Uber has launched its first European autonomous vehicle (AV) rides in Zagreb, Croatia, in partnership with Pony.ai and Verne. The service is available through the Uber app, with a licensed safety operator sitting behind the wheel to monitor each ride.
The partnership between Uber, Pony.ai, and Verne splits the work three ways. Pony.ai supplies the autonomous-driving technology, its Gen-7 robotaxi system, while Verne owns the fleet and runs the service on the ground. Uber, on the other hand, puts the rides in its app and handles the rider experience.
The service currently covers key areas of Zagreb, including the city centre, with wider coverage promised over time. This is not the first time autonomous vehicles have been available in Zagreb, as Verne launched Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service in the city in April and has since completed thousands of rides.
According to Annie Duvnjak, Uber’s global head of autonomous mobility operations, the company wants to bring AVs to millions of riders and build the world’s largest platform for AV deployment. The companies plan to scale the service to other European cities, with the next locations named later this year.
## Why it matters The launch of Uber's AV rides in Zagreb marks a significant milestone in the company's efforts to expand its autonomous vehicle services to Europe. With the partnership between Uber, Pony.ai, and Verne, the companies are working towards a future where autonomous vehicles become a common mode of transportation. The success of this service will depend on the ability of the companies to meet local rules and safety checks, and to gradually phase out the need for a safety operator.
The expansion of AV services to other European cities will also depend on the companies' ability to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and to build trust with consumers. As the service continues to grow, it will be important to monitor its impact on the environment, traffic, and the overall transportation ecosystem.
## What happens next As the service continues to expand, Uber, Pony.ai, and Verne will need to work together to ensure a seamless rider experience and to address any challenges that may arise. The companies will also need to continue to invest in the development of autonomous-driving technology and to work with regulators to create a framework that supports the growth of AV services.
