Uber launches robotaxi service in Zagreb, Europe’s first

Uber is expanding its European robotaxi push with the launch of its first autonomous rides in Zagreb, Croatia, in partnership with Pony.ai and Verne, and plans to scale to more European cities. The service operates in a phased rollout, starting with a licensed operator behind the wheel before full driverless operation, and is integrated into the Uber app for easy booking. The collaboration combines Pony.ai’s autonomous driving tech with Verne’s fleet ownership and operations, alongside Uber’s platform, and Zagreb is being used as a model for broader European deployment that could reach over 2,000 robotaxis across multiple cities. Executives from Verne and Uber describe Zagreb as a significant milestone for autonomous mobility in Europe. The rollout follows Verne’s earlier introduction of robotaxi service in Zagreb and aims to reduce reliance on human drivers while expanding ride-hailing options. Investors and market observers have noted the potential impact on Uber’s mobility strategy as the program scales.