Uber announced on Wednesday that it has launched an autonomous ride‑hailing service in Zagreb, marking the first time the company’s robotaxi offering is available in Europe. The service is a joint effort between Uber, Croatian startup Verne and Chinese autonomous‑driving company Pony.ai.
How the service works
Customers in Zagreb can request a self‑driving vehicle by selecting UberX or Uber Comfort in the Uber app. When a robotaxi is available, the app displays the vehicle’s details and provides instructions for the ride. During the initial rollout, a licensed human operator rides in the vehicle to monitor its performance and intervene if necessary, as the companies work toward fully driver‑less operations.
Geographic coverage
At launch, the robotaxi service is available in key areas of the city, including the central district. Uber and its partners said they expect the coverage area to expand over time, adding more neighborhoods as the technology proves reliable and regulatory approvals are secured.
Partners and technology
Pony.ai supplies the autonomous driving software and hardware that powers the robotaxis. Verne, a Croatian startup, owns the fleet of vehicles and handles day‑to‑day service operations, while Uber integrates the booking experience into its existing ride‑hailing platform. The collaboration builds on a partnership announced in March, which outlined plans to bring the service to additional European cities.
Regulatory and safety considerations
The launch follows approval from Croatian transport authorities, which required a safety driver to be present in each vehicle during the pilot phase. Uber and its partners emphasized that the safety driver will monitor the vehicle’s sensors and navigation system, ensuring compliance with local traffic laws and passenger safety standards.
Implications for the local economy
Introducing autonomous rides in Zagreb creates new opportunities for local tech talent and may spur further investment in advanced mobility solutions. The service also offers residents a novel transportation option that could reduce congestion and complement existing public transit.
Future expansion
Uber, Verne and Pony.ai indicated that the Zagreb rollout is a stepping stone toward broader European deployment. They plan to evaluate performance data, rider feedback and regulatory developments before launching in other cities across the continent.
For now, Zagreb residents can experience the future of transportation by booking a robotaxi through the familiar Uber app, marking a significant milestone for both the city and Uber’s global autonomous‑vehicle ambitions.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
