Uber has announced plans to pilot self-driving cars in Manchester, making it the second UK city after London to introduce the technology. The announcement was made today (October 14), although a launch date has not yet been confirmed.
The app-based taxi firm said it has partnered with technology firms Verne and Pony.ai to run the pilot. Verne shared an update saying it has started testing robotaxis in Manchester, which it said led to a 'few curious looks' from people watching on.
Partnership with Verne and Pony.ai
Uber said in a statement shared online: “Today, we’re announcing that we’re partnering with Verne and Pony.ai to pilot autonomous vehicles in Manchester. Building on our service together in Zagreb, Gen-7 Robotaxis are now testing in Manchester.
“We’re excited to take this first step toward making this technology accessible to people across the UK.”
Uber launched self-driving cars on its app in Zagreb, Croatia, in August 2026, marking the first time riders in Europe could book a self-driving car with the firm. Its autonomous vehicles in London launched at the start of September this year.
Pressure on Manchester's roads
If the pilot in Manchester goes well, it could one day lead to people getting around the city in technology-driven cars. The announcement comes at a time when Manchester is facing major pressure on some of its roads through car traffic, with transport bosses in the city pushing ahead with plans to get more people travelling on public transport or through active travel, such as walking or cycling.
Further details of Uber’s plans for self-driving cars in Manchester are set to be announced in future, the company said. It added that it hopes to be running autonomous vehicle trips in up to 15 cities around the world by the end of 2026, split between places in the United States and elsewhere.
Safety assurances required
Uber currently offers autonomous vehicles on its platform in Abu Dhabi, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Dubai, Las Vegas, London, Riyadh, and Zagreb.
A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said: “We want Greater Manchester’s taxis to be the safest in the country. That’s why we’ve got behind our trusted local trade – leading the call to ban out-of-area licensing in England and launching multi-million-pound support funds to help drivers upgrade their vehicles.
“New technologies play an increasingly important role in the growth of our city region. But they need to be introduced responsibly, safely and with real thought about what it means for our residents.
“It’s the Government, not Greater Manchester, that gives autonomous vehicle companies permission to operate in the UK.
“Although no applications have been made to operate driverless taxis in Greater Manchester, we’re aware of potential interest from companies to do so. Safety will always be our top priority, and we will need strong assurances that no vehicles will operate on our roads that pose any risk to residents.”
