Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE: UBER), Verne, and Pony AI Inc (NASDAQ: PONY) launched autonomous rides on the Uber app in Zagreb today. This marks the first time riders in Europe can book an autonomous vehicle through Uber.

The service is available within key areas of Zagreb, including the city centre. Geographic coverage and service availability are set to expand over time. At launch, a licensed operator monitors the vehicle from behind the wheel. The partners plan to introduce fully driverless operations in the future.

Partnership Structure

The launch builds on a partnership announced in March. It moves the service from development and testing to real-world deployment on Uber’s platform. The model combines three distinct capabilities:

• Pony.ai: Provides its Gen-7 Robotaxi autonomous driving solution.
• Verne: Acts as the fleet owner and service operator, leveraging its operational framework.
• Uber: Integrates the service into its ride-hailing network and delivers the rider experience via its app.

Zagreb serves as the first market for this partnership. The companies plan to scale this model to additional European cities. Further details on subsequent markets will be announced later this year.

Operational Context

Verne launched Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb in April. Since then, it has completed thousands of autonomous rides. The company operates daily, learning from real customers in a real European city.

Annie Duvnjak, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility Operations at Uber, stated that the launch makes it simple for riders to access autonomous rides through the Uber app. She described Zagreb as an important first step toward bringing AVs to millions of riders.

Marko Pejkovic, CEO of Verne, noted that this marks another European first. He highlighted that the experience gained in Zagreb will help bring Verne to other European cities.

Dr. James Peng, Founder and CEO of Pony.ai, called the milestone a strong example of the joint deployment model. He emphasized that the collaboration creates a viable path for scaling autonomous mobility.

Safety and Access

Uber states that safety comes first. All autonomous vehicles must meet applicable regulatory requirements and Uber’s safety standards before operating on the platform. 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 expand the range of transport options.

Riders can access the service by opening the Uber app and requesting UberX or Comfort. When an AV is available, the app provides information about the vehicle and instructions for starting and completing the trip.

Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER) is expanding its autonomous operations through new partnerships in drone delivery and robotaxis, as shares held steady Tuesday afternoon. The company announced a landmark agreement with Zipline to integrate drone deliveries into Uber Eats, alongside a separate initiative to launch autonomous rideshare services in Tokyo.

Drone Delivery Expansion

Uber announced on Monday a partnership with Zipline to launch drone deliveries on Uber Eats. The initiative will roll out in existing markets before expanding to dozens of U.S. cities. Uber has made a direct strategic investment in the joint venture.

The partnership aims to achieve 1 million daily drone deliveries by 2029. Concurrently, Uber exited its position in sidewalk robot firm Serve Robotics Inc. due to differing strategic vision.

Tokyo Robotaxi Pilot

The company is advancing its international autonomous rideshare efforts through an agreement with Tokyo-based Hinomaru Kotsu. Scheduled for late 2026, the Tokyo pilot will utilize Nissan LEAF vehicles integrated with Wayve’s AI Driver software.

Hinomaru Kotsu will oversee physical fleet management and safety drivers for the initiative.

Market Reaction

Uber Technologies shares were up 0.79% at $75.58 at the time of publication on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data. The stock is trading near recent lows as investors weigh the company’s latest expansion into autonomous delivery and robotaxis.