1st Robotaxi Service in Europe

Europe has welcomed its first robotaxi service, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s adoption of autonomous vehicle technology. The service launched in Croatia, a relatively small Adriatic nation, rather than one of Europe’s larger countries, highlighting a unique choice for this pioneering venture. The operation involves a collaboration between China’s Pony.ai, the US-based Uber, and Croatia’s local operator Verne, with the fleet currently comprising ten vehicles. Although the robotaxis have been running for about a month, human supervisors remain on board as a safety precaution, a standard practice in autonomous vehicle deployments worldwide. The robotaxi service utilises advanced technology including multiple cameras, lidar, and radar systems to navigate urban streets, and rides are booked through Verne’s app much like conventional rideshare services. Since its inception, the service has attracted considerable interest, with around 4,000 people reportedly on the waiting list. The fare is set at 1.99 euros per trip, positioning the service as an accessible option for users keen to experience autonomous travel. However, despite the enthusiasm, the service has not yet achieved universal acclaim, with approximately 90% of riders awarding it four or five stars, suggesting room for improvement in user experience or reliability. Operational challenges remain, as human safety drivers have occasionally had to intervene, although the reasons for these interventions have not been disclosed. An anecdote from a test ride revealed the system’s ability to communicate calmly with passengers during unexpected events, such as sudden braking when another vehicle veered into the robotaxi’s lane. This highlights the blend of cutting-edge technology and thoughtful user interaction designed to ease passenger concerns during the early stages of fully autonomous service. Looking ahead, the company aims to introduce a fully automated robotaxi service in Zagreb by the end of 2026, signalling a move towards removing human supervisors from the vehicles. Furthermore, there are plans to expand the service to ten additional cities across the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East, indicating a broader ambition to establish a significant presence in the global robotaxi market. This development positions Croatia as a notable hub for autonomous mobility innovation in Europe and underscores the growing international collaboration driving this sector forward.