VW's Self-Driving Minibuses Begin LA Tests for Uber Service

Los Angeles is about to become the testing ground for a new kind of ride that could make getting around cities cleaner, easier, and more accessible for everyone.

Volkswagen and Uber announced Wednesday they've started testing self-driving electric minibuses on LA streets. The companies plan to launch a full robotaxi service by late 2026, making autonomous rides available to everyday passengers through the Uber app.

About 10 autonomous ID. Buzz vehicles will hit the roads in the coming weeks, each seating four passengers. The retro-styled electric minibuses blend Volkswagen's iconic design heritage with cutting-edge technology that could transform how millions of people commute.

Paul DeLong, president of commercialization at MOIA America, called Los Angeles the perfect starting point. The city's history of embracing new transportation technologies makes it an ideal place to introduce autonomous rides to the public.

The companies have already established a joint operations facility in LA to manage the growing fleet. While starting small, Volkswagen plans to scale up to more than 100 autonomous vehicles as testing progresses and regulatory approvals advance.

Safety remains the top priority during this rollout. Each vehicle will carry a human safety operator until driverless operations begin in 2027, giving the technology time to prove itself on real city streets with real passengers.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership represents more than just convenient rides. By combining zero-emission electric vehicles with autonomous technology, the service could significantly reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in one of America's most car-dependent cities.

The collaboration also signals growing momentum in making self-driving technology practical and accessible. Uber has partnered with 25 companies developing autonomous solutions for rides, deliveries, and logistics, spreading the benefits of this technology across multiple industries and cities.

For Los Angeles residents, this means potentially lower-cost transportation options that don't require car ownership. That's especially meaningful in a city where traffic and parking challenges make daily commuting stressful and expensive for millions of people.

The future of getting around just got a little brighter in the City of Angels.