Baidu and Lyft Launch Robotaxi Trials on London Streets

• July 28, 2026

In a notable move within the autonomous vehicle sector, Baidu, a leading Chinese technology firm, and Lyft, a prominent ride-sharing service, have initiated trials of driverless taxis on the streets of London. This development marks a significant expansion of robotaxi operations into one of Europe’s largest urban centers.

Autonomous Rides Now Available Through Freenow App

The pilot program enables users to request robotic taxi rides using the Freenow application, a popular European ride-hailing platform. The collaboration leverages Lyft’s ride service expertise alongside Baidu’s advancements in self-driving technology. Passengers in London can now experience fully autonomous vehicle rides as part of this testing phase.

This venture signals ongoing interest and investment in deploying autonomous transportation solutions outside of China and the United States, with Europe becoming a testing ground for new mobility services. While detailed information regarding the operational scope and vehicle specifications has not been released, the partnership emphasizes integration within existing urban transport ecosystems.

The rollout of robotaxi services in London represents a step forward in the practical application of artificial intelligence and autonomous driving in a busy metropolitan environment. It aims to evaluate technology performance, regulatory compliance, and passenger receptivity in a real-world setting.

Further updates on the service expansion and performance metrics are expected as the program progresses. This collaboration illustrates an increasing trend of cross-continental partnerships aimed at advancing autonomous vehicle deployment worldwide.

Baidu and Lyft have begun testing autonomous taxis in London, accessible via the Freenow app in a new ride-hailing partnership.