FREENOW BY LYFT: AVs INTEGRATING TAXIS, PHVs AND AVs
IN LONDON’S TRANSPORT NETWORK
By Danny O’Gorman, UK & Ireland General Manager at Freenow by Lyft
www.free-now.com/uk/
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are becoming a reality on London’s roads, raising important questions for drivers across the taxi and private hire trade. Rather than a binary choice between technology and drivers, AVs offer an opportunity to build a flexible, resilient transport network where autonomous tech works alongside black cabs and private hire vehicles (PHVs) to support driver earnings opportunities and customer service.
At Freenow by Lyft, we have begun testing Baidu Apollo’s purpose-built AVs in London, initially in Brent, with safety operators on board. This marks an early step towards our planned public launch in 2027, subject to necessary approvals. It is vital to look at what AVs deliver in practice. If they add capacity during peak hours or in underserved areas where demand surges, they can help unlock extra market demand, reduce wait times for riders, and make on-demand transport a far more attractive alternative to private car ownership.
What does this mean for drivers?
Speaking to drivers across the trade, I know concerns about AVs are genuine and understandable. Any major shift in London’s transport landscape sparks fair questions. Our focus is on growing the market pie rather than dividing existing work. Operational evidence demonstrates this: Lyft rides within the San Francisco operating area grew approximately 20% year over year. Furthermore, scaling AV operations creates new positions in fleet logistics and maintenance, where many full-time roles have been filled by drivers transitioning their skills.
Quicker, more reliable rides encourage more
Londoners to leave personal cars at home, expanding total demand across the entire platform.
The role of the driver
An experienced driver remains essential for severe weather, complex routes, and passengers requiring physical assistance or personal care. Advanced technology cannot match human judgment, empathy,
18
and tailored support. London’s black cab trade in particular is world-renowned for good reason. Their unmatched knowledge of London, paired with vehicles built for full accessibility, featuring ramps, securement points, and spacious cabins, provides a service technology alone cannot replace.
That accessibility is essential to many passengers travelling independently. A recent survey by our charity partner, Whizz Kidz, found that 96% of young wheelchair users and their families were concerned that a decline in black cab numbers would make travel more difficult, while 53% said they used black cabs because suitable alternative transport was unavailable.
These findings reinforce what I tell our teams daily: maintaining a healthy, profitable, and accessible driver network is vital for London’s mobility, economy, and social wellbeing. Driver skills and expertise do not lose value when new technology arrives, they become even more prized as passengers seek quality, safe and personal travel options.
There is demand for more choice
Clear evidence shows passengers are open to having more transport options as London evolves. Our research found that 58% of Londoners would be likely to try an AV. Support is even higher among younger Londoners, with almost two-thirds of those under 35 supporting the availability of AVs in the capital. For those interested in trying the technology, reliability was an important factor, with 43% highlighting it as a reason, while 51% said they were excited by the prospect of AVs.
These figures highlight a willingness to try new options, but one solution will never fit all journeys. Our responsibility is ensuring these technologies complement drivers, providing the right option for every trip while supporting driver earnings opportunities.
Building a bigger, more resilient network
The introduction of AVs marks a major evolution for London. At Freenow by
Lyft, our participation in London’s AV trials focuses on expanding total transport capacity, safeguarding driver earning opportunities, and ensuring drivers continue to thrive alongside new technology.
NOVEMBER 2026 PHTM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82
