Uber launches first autonomous rides in Europe via Pony.ai and Verne in Zagreb
Zagreb becomes the first European city where riders can book an autonomous ride through the Uber app, powered by Pony.ai and operated by Verne.
- 07:00–21:00
- 20 August 2026
What Happened
Uber has launched autonomous rides on its app in Zagreb, Croatia, making it the first European city where riders can book an AV through Uber. The service is powered by Pony.ai and operated by Verne, and initially covers key areas including the city centre. Operating hours run from 07:00 to 21:00, with a licensed operator on board behind the wheel during the phased introduction before fully driverless operations begin. Riders can request the service by opening the Uber app and choosing UberX or Comfort. Zagreb is the first market under the partnership, which the companies plan to scale to additional European cities with further details announced later this year.
Pony.ai, Verne, and Uber announce their partnership for autonomous rides.
Verne launches Europe's first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb.
Autonomous rides become available on the Uber app in Zagreb, the first in Europe.
“Today marks a major milestone for autonomous mobility in Europe. By bringing together Pony.ai’s proven autonomous-driving technology, Verne’s operational expertise and Uber’s global platform, we’re making it simple for riders to access autonomous rides through the Uber app. Zagreb is an important first step as we work to bring AVs to millions of riders and build the world’s largest platform for AV”
“Verne launched Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb in April. Since then, we have completed thousands of autonomous rides, operating every day and learning from real customers in a real European city. From today, Verne rides are also available through Uber, giving customers another way to access the service. This marks another European first — the first time autonomous rides are av”
“Bringing Zagreb's Robotaxi service onto the Uber platform is an important next step in making autonomous mobility more accessible to riders. This milestone is also a strong example of the joint deployment model in action, bringing together Pony.ai’s Gen-7 Robotaxi technology, Verne’s local operating capabilities and Uber’s platform and rider reach to create a viable path for scaling autonomous mob”
- Pony.ai provides its autonomous driving solution, including Gen-7 Robotaxi technology.
- Verne acts as fleet owner and service operator.
- Uber integrates the service into its ride-hailing network and delivers the rider experience via its app.
Safety comes first at Uber. All autonomous vehicles must meet applicable regulatory requirements and Uber’s safety standards before operating on the platform, and the service will expand gradually as the partners work towards fully autonomous operations. Uber expects autonomous vehicles and human drivers to coexist and grow together for the foreseeable future. Many journeys will continue to require human drivers, while AVs can expand the range of transport options available to riders.
Previously from Pony.ai Inc.
Pony.ai and Uber previously announced an expanded partnership to deploy more than 2,000 robotaxis across four additional European cities and the Middle East, building on a partnership that began in Zagreb. Today's launch brings that partnership to its first market, with plans to scale the service to other cities.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Pony.ai Inc.'s official releases.
Why this matters
This marks Uber's first autonomous ride-hailing service in Europe, opening a new market for robotaxis. Riders in Zagreb can now choose an AV for trips within key areas, with plans to expand to other cities. The partnership also shows how AVs and human drivers may coexist, as Uber expects both to grow together.
Terms in This Story
- AV
- Autonomous vehicle, a vehicle capable of sensing its environment and driving without human input.
- robotaxi
- A self-driving taxi that transports passengers without a human driver.
- ride-hailing
- A service that connects passengers with drivers via a mobile app, such as Uber.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.