Uber launches autonomous rides in Zagreb via Pony.ai and Verne

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) has launched autonomous vehicle rides in Zagreb, Croatia, marking the first time European riders can book an autonomous vehicle through the Uber app, according to a press release from the company.

The service is powered by Pony AI (NASDAQ: PONY; HKEX: 2026) autonomous driving technology and operated by Verne, a European autonomous mobility company. Riders can book a trip by requesting UberX or Comfort through the Uber app, with the service currently available in key areas of Zagreb, including the city center.

At launch, a licensed operator will be seated behind the wheel to monitor the vehicle. The companies said fully driverless operations are planned for a future phase.

Under the partnership structure, Pony.ai supplies its autonomous driving technology, Verne acts as fleet owner and service operator, and Uber integrates the service into its ride-hailing platform. The partnership was first announced in March.

Verne separately launched what it described as Europe's first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb in April, and said it has completed thousands of autonomous rides since then.

"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 deployment," said Annie Duvnjak, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility Operations at Uber.

The companies said Zagreb serves as a model for expansion, with plans to scale the service to additional European cities. Further details on new markets are expected later this year.

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