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[FCE] ‘They’re living in fantasy land’: Uber to trial self-driving taxis in London next spring | Self-driving cars | The Guardian

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Uber is set to transform travel in London with the introduction of self-driving taxis starting next spring. This move marks Europe’s first trial of vehicles without a safety driver on board, in collaboration with Wayve, a UK-based autonomous vehicle technology firm. The UK government has accelerated the timeline for these trials, originally planned for spring 2026, motivated by successful implementations in San Francisco and China. London’s trials are a stepping stone to a larger rollout planned for late 2027, following the full implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act, which guarantees vehicle safety. The Department for Transport forecasts that these vehicles could enhance road safety, generate around 38,000 jobs, and foster an industry valued at 42 billion pounds by 2035. Additionally, self-driving taxis might expand transport options in rural areas and improve accessibility for non-drivers. However, this news has sparked concerns among traditional taxi drivers. Steve McNamara, the general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, has labelled the concept as ‘fantasy land’ and expressed skepticism about public acceptance, noting that people’s hesitance to trust robots with simpler tasks might translate into reluctance to trust them with passenger safety. As this new era of transportation unfolds, the success of these trials will be critical in building public trust and enhancing the quality of life for millions.

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1. What significant change is Uber introducing in London?

  • A. Introducing flying taxis
  • B. Starting trials of self-driving taxis
  • C. Launching a new app for taxi booking
  • D. Reducing taxi fares

2. When are the self-driving taxis expected to be fully rolled out in London?

  • A. Spring 2026
  • B. Late 2027
  • C. Next spring
  • D. By 2035

3. What is the primary concern of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association regarding self-driving taxis?

  • A. The technology is too expensive
  • B. The vehicles are not safe enough
  • C. The impact on traditional taxi drivers’ jobs
  • D. The trial period is too short

4. According to the article, how might self-driving taxis benefit rural areas?

  • A. By reducing the cost of transport
  • B. By improving road safety
  • C. By providing more transport options
  • D. By increasing the speed of travel

5. What does the article suggest is crucial for the success of self-driving taxi trials in London?

  • A. The technology’s ability to operate without issues
  • B. Building public trust
  • C. Reducing the number of traditional taxis
  • D. Legislation to support autonomous vehicles