Waymo and Uber plan driverless taxi tests in Munich

US companies Waymo and Uber are preparing driverless taxi services in Munich, with Waymo planning to begin operations by the end of 2027, BR24 reports. Waymo has already started test drives with safety drivers on board, while Uber is working with Israeli start-up Autobrains, which is testing vehicles on routes between the Olympic Park and Munich Central Station.

Autobrains is expected to allow its first passengers to ride in 2027. The plans indicate that Munich is becoming not only a testing ground for robotaxis but also a market for the services.

Do German laws allow robotaxis?

A 2021 reform of Germany’s Road Traffic Act established the legal framework for autonomous driving. Operations must take place within a defined area and require technical supervision that can stop the robotaxi at any time. The supervisor does not have to be inside the vehicle and may intervene remotely.

Why Munich?

Waymo describes Munich as a leading location for mobility and technology. The company says its testing phase is intended to adapt its technology to the city’s traffic conditions.

Uber points to Munich’s engineering tradition, strong automotive industry and transport network, which includes both urban roads and faster road connections. The city is also home to IAA Mobility, where robotaxis are scheduled to be used for the first time in 2027.

Political support may also have played a role. Bavaria’s Ministry of Economic Affairs supports companies working to advance autonomous driving in the state. Economic Affairs Minister Hubert Aiwanger of the Free Voters called Waymo’s test drives a milestone.

Who approves the services?

Approval for driverless taxis in Munich involves three stages:

First, the Federal Motor Transport Authority must grant an operating licence. Second, the Bavarian Directorate of Construction must approve a specific operating area, such as Munich’s city limits. Third, the vehicle registration office must authorise the vehicles to use public roads.

Both providers are still in the testing phase, so no applications have yet been submitted to the Bavarian Directorate of Construction, according to BR24. However, all authorities involved in the approval process are already in intensive discussions.

Who pays if a robotaxi causes a crash?

The vehicle’s owner is liable for any damage, even if there is no personal fault because the owner is not inside the car. This is based on strict liability, which applies because operating an autonomous vehicle presents an inherent risk.

Lawmakers have set higher liability limits for autonomous vehicles. For conventional cars, the maximum amounts are five million euros for personal injury and one million euros for property damage. Robotaxi providers can face liability of up to 10 million euros for personal injury and two million euros for property damage.

During the testing phase, a safety driver may also be liable if they neglect their duty to monitor the vehicle. If a crash is traced to a technical fault, the manufacturer may be held responsible.

Why Waymo and Uber instead of Bavarian providers?

Markus Lienkamp, a professor of autonomous driving at the Technical University of Munich, criticised the arrival of the two US companies. “We are opening up a market here and giving away a technology that we unfortunately do not control in Germany. In my view, that is extremely dangerous,” he told BR24.