Croatia tests fully driverless robotaxis in Zagreb

Croatian firm Verne is testing fully driverless robotaxi rides in Zagreb after launching a commercial service with safety operators earlier this year, chief executive Marko Pejkovic said Tuesday.

Pejkovic said the tests remove the operator from the vehicle and described them as Europe’s first fully automated robotaxi rides. He said he hopes to make the service available to the public next year.

Verne, backed by Uber and powered by Chinese self-driving firm Pony.ai, has operated commercial robotaxi rides in Zagreb since April. Until now, a backup driver has remained in the driver’s seat.

Pejkovic said the company began fully autonomous testing in August on a 22-kilometre route between its Zagreb headquarters and the capital’s airport. Verne’s fleet of around 30 automated vehicles operates in the city centre, around the airport and in selected nearby areas.

The company says about 1,500 people use the service in Zagreb and more than 10,000 are on the waiting list. Rides can be ordered through Verne’s or Uber’s app, with the price kept at 1.99 euros to attract users and feedback.