Uber and autonomous vehicle developer Wayve have received private hire vehicle licences from Transport for London (TfL) to begin operating self-driving taxis in London, with the first trips expected to begin "later this summer". The companies are preparing 15 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles fitted with Wayve’s artificial intelligence driving software, cameras, and radar systems. During early journeys, the AI system will control the driving while a TfL-licensed private hire driver remains in the driver’s seat and can take control if needed. TfL confirmed the vehicles met required safety standards. More than 100,000 people have joined a waiting list for the service, according to Uber and Wayve. The companies are competing with Google-owned Waymo and Chinese developer Baidu’s Apollo Go, and London could become one of the first places where American and Chinese autonomous driving technology providers operate alongside each other on public roads. Wayve, founded in London in 2017, has tested its technology in the city since 2018. The firm's vice-president for global affairs and assurance, Sarah Gates, called the licence an important milestone, saying responsible deployment would bring "safer, cleaner and quieter streets". GMB union regional organiser Matthew Wright said drivers needed protection during the transition, warning of impacts on employment and accident liability. TfL said safety remained its priority and that fully driverless passenger services would require further approval through a government permit system.