Robotaxi testing begins in Brent with Apollo Go cars
Freenow by Lyft runs the trial while Uber and Waymo seek approval for passenger services in London.
Trust 42Craft 55Hype 58How this was reported ▾
Only one named source (Freenow CEO) and no direct document cited.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
Quotes given but no affected residents or local officials quoted.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
Headline overstates imminent passenger access; body tempers with 2027.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
1 source assessed · methodology
Trial details
Testing of Apollo Go cars has started in Brent, according to MyLondon. Freenow by Lyft, working with Baidu’s Apollo Go technology, is running the trial. Human drivers will be present to take control when needed, and the goal is for the vehicles to accept passengers by 2027.
TfL under‑investment leaves commuters losing 830,000 hours in April‑May 2026
A £6.5 billion renewals backlog and spending below the required level have driven delays that affect Barnet residents and the wider capital
Other companies seeking approval
MyLondon reports that Uber, using Wayve robotaxis, wants to transport passengers in automated vehicles this year. Waymo is also testing its fleet on London roads ahead of a possible launch. Wayve said in June that its robotaxis are ready and that Uber will begin public journeys in the next couple of months.
Safety concerns
Labour forecast to win up to 60 London seats, poll shows strong swing in Barnet
Electoral Calculus/Find Out Now poll of 6,699 adults predicts Labour at 34% in London, Conservatives at 16%, with likely gains in Hendon, Finchley and Golders Green
A Waymo trial in Brent attracted calls for suspension in May, MyLondon notes. The Brent Green Party said the autonomous vehicles do not meet minimum safety standards after one car drove into a police cordon in Harlesden.
“"Ensuring autonomous technology supports the professional drivers who keep London moving"”
Thomas Zimmermann, Freenow by Lyft chief executive – MyLondon
Industry view
The shared transport charity CoMoUK warned that the UK could miss out on driverless vehicle benefits unless the government sets a clearer vision. It recommended pooling trips in self‑driving taxis and creating a shared fleet that multiple people could use, similar to car clubs.
Questions this report answers
+What is the Apollo Go trial in Brent and who is running it?
Apollo Go driverless cars are being tested on Brent streets by Freenow by Lyft, using Baidu’s Apollo Go technology. Human drivers will initially sit behind the wheel to take control when needed, with plans to accept passengers by 2027.
+Which other companies want to run robotaxi services in London?
Uber, using Wayve robotaxis, and Waymo are both seeking approval to carry passengers in automated vehicles. Uber aims to start public journeys within months, while Waymo is testing its fleet ahead of a possible launch.
+Why did some people call for the Waymo trial to stop?
A Waymo trial in Brent faced calls to suspend operations in May over safety concerns. The Brent Green Party argued the autonomous vehicles did not meet minimum safety standards after one car drove into a police cordon in Harlesden.
Barnet Press News Desk
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