London has always been a city that embraces innovation. From the world’s first underground railway to contactless payments, the capital has repeatedly demonstrated how new technology can transform the way people live, work, and move around.
Autonomous mobility represents another opportunity to build on that tradition, attracting investment, creating skilled jobs, and supporting a safer, better-connected city.
At Waymo, our journey in London is already taking shape. We have established local operations, invested tens of millions of pounds in infrastructure, begun testing on London’s streets and engaged with policymakers, businesses and communities across the capital.
But our ambition goes beyond introducing a new transport service. We want to play a meaningful role in London’s next chapter of economic growth.
The potential is significant. Independent research by Steer and Fourth Economy, commissioned by Chamber of Progress, estimates that automated ride-hailing could generate £5.4 billion in UK gross output and £2.1 billion in gross value added (GVA) by 2050, supporting up to 52,000 jobs.
Those opportunities extend well beyond the vehicles themselves. Charging infrastructure, software, maintenance, fleet operations, insurance, and professional services will all form part of a growing supply chain, creating opportunities for British businesses and workers.
For Waymo, this is already translating into local investment, with our UK service expected to support hundreds of jobs and create opportunities to develop new skills and career pathways.
Crucially, the UK has already laid strong foundations for this emerging industry. Its advanced and robust regulatory framework, underpinned by the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, places safety and accountability at the heart of autonomous vehicle deployment.
The framework provides for rigorous national assessment and oversight, alongside a requirement for Transport for London’s consent before automated passenger services can operate in the capital. This combination of national safety standards and local decision-making offers an important foundation for responsible innovation and gives businesses confidence to invest.
But the success of autonomous mobility cannot be measured by technology or investment alone. It must also deliver for Londoners.
London’s world-class public transport network will remain the backbone of how people move around the capital. Autonomous mobility should complement it, supporting first- and last-mile journeys, improving accessibility and offering greater choice where existing connections fall short.
Our recently published Vision for London sets out how we believe autonomous mobility can contribute to safer streets, better connectivity and the capital’s wider transport and economic ambitions.
Delivering that vision will require collaboration. We want to work with BusinessLDN members, boroughs, education providers and community organisations to strengthen local supply chains, develop skills and ensure the benefits of innovation reach communities across London.
London has the talent, London has ambition, and importantly, the regulatory foundations to lead this emerging global industry. The opportunity now is to turn that potential into lasting economic and social value.
We look forward to working with London’s business community to make that happen.
15.10.2026