China's Baidu tests robotaxi on London streets. Posted on October 23, 2026 · Last updated: October 23, 2026 Baidu and Freenow unveil Apollo Go robotaxi on London streets. Launch of Apollo Go robotaxi and the future of autonomous vehicles in London. By Marissa Davison Introduction of Apollo Go robotaxi. LONDON, Oct 23 (Reuters) - US-based Lyft unit Freenow and Baidu's Apollo Go unveiled the Chinese company's RT6 autonomous vehicle in London on Thursday and said they hope to launch a driverless robotaxi service in the city in 2027. The two companies began testing vehicles in London with safety drivers in the summer and hope to have fully driverless vehicles in the city next year, aiming for a commercial launch in 2027. Strategic partnerships and regulatory landscape. Lyft and Baidu collaboration. The partnership between San Francisco-based ride-hailing firm Lyft and China's Baidu in London comes as the US Senate is working to pass a permanent ban on Chinese cars in the United States, pushing more companies to focus on Europe. Competitive environment in London. Competition between robotaxi developers in London is heating up. UK self-driving vehicle startup Wayve and Lyft rival Uber launched a robotaxi service in London in September, initially with a human safety driver behind the wheel. US robotaxi company Waymo, a unit of Google parent Alphabet, aims to launch a fully driverless ride-hailing service in London by the end of this year. Challenges and opportunities on London streets. Testing conditions in London. LONDON STREETS OFFER CHALLENGING TEST Freenow UK general manager Danny O'Gorman said London was a particularly good testing ground, with lots of speed bumps, narrow streets and many roads limited to 20 miles per hour. Learning and adapting to local roads. "So the car is going through the phase of learning the rules of the road much like you would do if you're trying to pass your own driving test," O'Gorman told Reuters during a demonstration ride. Regulatory collaboration and public perception. O'Gorman said the company was working closely with Transport for London and expected regulatory guidelines in the coming week. He recognised new technology "can sometimes be scary" but most Londoners were excited about the prospect Impact on traditional taxi services. He said robotaxis were not trying to replace London's famous black cabs. The firm is talking about "tens of vehicles in the next year or two" as it tests the market. "In terms of the taxi in London, the iconic black cab, this is not a replacement for that service," he said. "Black cabs are a fundamental part of London." (Reporting by Marissa Davison; Writing by Nick Carey; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Louise Heavens) Key takeaways. * Baidu and Freenow started RT6 autonomous vehicle testing in London in July 2026, targeting a driverless launch in 2027 (free-now.com) * London's robotaxi race is accelerating: Uber and Wayve launched supervised autonomous rides in September 2026, while Waymo is aiming for fully driverless service by late 2026 (investor.uber.com) * London's complex roads make it an ideal but challenging testing ground; regulators including TfL are issuing licences and guidance ahead of full autonomy rollouts (free-now.com) References. Frequently asked questions. When will Baidu's robotaxi service launch commercially in London? Who is Baidu partnering with for its London robotaxi tests? Are the robotaxis currently fully driverless in London? Is Baidu's robotaxi service intended to replace London's traditional black cabs? What makes London a suitable testing ground for autonomous vehicles?

Leading taxi app Lyft launches in Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus. "We are excited to provide a great option for passengers and business customers" A leading taxi app has expanded into Northern Ireland. Article continues below Lyft, through Freenow by Lyft, is a leading taxi app in Ireland and has added Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus to the list of over 200 cities where the service is available across Europe. Article continues below Passengers in these locations can now book a taxi quickly and conveniently through the Freenow app, with access to a range of features designed to make every journey simple and stress-free. Article continues below 138205441846 The app allows users to: * View the upfront fare before confirming the trip * Track the driver's arrival in real-time * Use the 'Prebook' feature to schedule a ride from 20 minutes up to 90 days in advance * Pay securely via Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, card. * Safety remains a top priority. Every booking provides users with information about their vehicle, and passengers can use the 'share my trip' feature to let friends or family follow their journey for added peace of mind. A spokesperson said: "The launch will support journeys across the region, whether passengers are travelling to work, meeting friends and family, attending events or getting to and from the airport, train station or ferry terminals. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info "By integrating with local taxi fleets' current dispatch system, Lyft is helping to offer people in Northern Ireland greater choice and flexibility when booking a taxi. "The launch builds on Lyft's established presence of Freenow in cities across the UK and Ireland. It also gives local taxi drivers access to new passengers and additional booking opportunities." Danny O'Gorman, General Manager for the UK and Ireland at Freenow by Lyft, said: "We're delighted to be launching Lyft in Northern Ireland through the Freenow by Lyft app and to give passengers across the region a simple, reliable, and convenient way to book a taxi. Article continues below "Expanding into Northern Ireland is an important milestone and the latest step in growing our presence across the UK and Ireland. "Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus are all vibrant towns and cities and we are excited to provide a great option for passengers and business customers." This is on top of the acquisitions of Lynk in Dublin and Swift in Limerick earlier this year, and starting this month, the ability for North American riders to use their same Lyft app in Europe, including in London and Dublin. Article continues below

Freenow by Lyft to raise funds for Whizz Kidz through its in-app Round Up and Donate feature. Freenow by Lyft has partnered with Whizz Kidz, the UK's leading charity for young wheelchair users, to raise funds for the charity via its in-app Round Up and Donate feature, as well as drive awareness about the importance of ensuring young wheelchair users continue to have access to black cabs. A new survey* of young wheelchair users and their families by Whizz Kidz has underscored the importance of the partnership. The survey highlights widespread anxiety over black cab availability, with 96% of young wheelchair users warning that a continued decline in accessible taxis will make travel harder. Every black cab in the UK is wheelchair accessible, making the fleet a vital mode of transport for young wheelchair users seeking everyday independence. Freenow by Lyft's black cab fleet operates across the UK, including major cities such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh The research also highlights how heavily young wheelchair users depend on black cabs for daily life, with availability issues disrupting plans for 84% of respondents. Black cabs are also primary drivers of independence, utilised by 59% of respondents for social outings, 36% for education, and 29% for work and healthcare. Meanwhile, 53% of respondents stated they turn to black cabs out of necessity due to an absence of alternative transport options. Knowing a provider guarantees an accessible fleet was ranked as a vital factor for booking ease, with 73% of respondents stating that booking through an app where fleet accessibility is guaranteed directly improves their travel experience. Freenow by Lyft passengers across the UK can now round up their fare to the nearest pound, with 100% of proceeds going directly to Whizz Kidz. All donations will support customised mobility equipment, specialist support, and advocacy for an accessible society. To mark the launch, a co-branded Whizz Kidz and Freenow black cab will take to London's streets as a mobile billboard raising awareness. Passengers can activate the Round Up and Donate feature in the Freenow app before, during, or after their trip. According to recent TfL research**, disabled Londoners rely on taxis and private hire vehicles at nearly double the rate of non-disabled passengers to navigate their daily lives. By offering access to the largest black cab fleet on a single app, Freenow by Lyft delivers a vital service that empowers wheelchair users to navigate their cities how and when they choose. All black cabs are equipped with built-in ramps, floor securement points, and spacious interiors. Danny O'Gorman, UKI General Manager at Freenow by Lyft, said: "As the platform with the largest fleet of wheelchair-accessible black cabs, we are committed to championing accessibility every day. We have already delivered accessibility training for our drivers alongside Whizz Kidz, and are determined to lead the industry in setting higher standards across the transport sector. This new survey shows how critical fleet reliability is for young people. By encouraging passengers to round up their fares, we are enabling Whizz Kidz to continue their vital work while ensuring young wheelchair users can move around easily and on their own terms." Liz George, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Whizz Kidz, said: "London TV is delighted to be partnering with Freenow by Lyft to help drive meaningful change for young wheelchair users across the UK. At Whizz Kidz, London TV know that access to transport is about so much more than getting from A to B. It's about freedom, confidence and being able to take part in education, work and social opportunities without barriers. "Our new research shows that 96% of young wheelchair users fear travel will become harder as black cabs decline, highlighting just how important it is that accessibility remains a priority. Through this partnership, we're not only helping to shine a spotlight on the challenges disabled people face every day, but also providing real, practical support. Funds raised will help more young wheelchair users access life-changing mobility equipment, specialist support and opportunities to build their independence, unlock their potential and live the lives they choose." Owen West, Whizz Kidz Collective member and wheelchair user, said: "I'm really pleased to see Whizz Kidz and Freenow by Lyft partnering up. Being able to book black cabs on the app makes a huge difference. It means we can be spontaneous, hang out with friends, and just enjoy life without stressing about how we're getting home."