Uber Technologies shares rose 4.69% to $78.16 after the company introduced robotaxi service in Zagreb through its mobile platform. The stock moved up from about $74.66 during Wednesday’s session, reflecting heavy trading activity. The rollout marks Uber’s first European deployment in which customers can book self-driving vehicles directly through the Uber app.

Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER)

Zagreb Robotaxi Launch Supports Uber Stock Move

Uber launched the Croatian service in collaboration with Verne and autonomous technology provider Pony AI. Customers in designated areas, including parts of downtown Zagreb, can now book autonomous rides. The partners said they expect to extend service hours and widen operating areas as the program develops.

Human safety operators will remain inside the vehicles during the initial phase of deployment. The companies plan to remove onboard personnel once validation milestones are completed. This phased approach is intended to build operational groundwork before a transition to fully autonomous service, while keeping the service tied to the same app experience riders already use for conventional trips.

Uber is responsible for platform integration and the customer-facing experience through its ride-hailing app. Pony AI provides the self-driving technology used in the vehicles. Verne owns the fleet and manages daily operations under the partnership structure.

European Autonomous Mobility Expansion Builds Momentum

The Zagreb launch follows a partnership framework established by Uber, Verne, and Pony AI in March. The collaboration has now moved from pilot testing to commercial customer service. Zagreb is being positioned as a reference model that could be replicated in other European cities.

Verne had already been operating robotaxis in Zagreb on its own before integrating with Uber’s ecosystem. The company has completed thousands of autonomous trips while running regular service in the city. By connecting to Uber’s platform, Verne can now reach a much larger customer base through the widely used app.

Pony AI supplies its Gen-7 Robotaxi platform for the Zagreb operations. The system provides the autonomous driving capabilities, while Verne handles fleet management and local coordination. The partnership is designed to support broader autonomous transportation expansion across Europe, where rollout decisions will still depend on local requirements and operating readiness.

Additional European Markets in View

Zagreb is the first European city in this autonomous mobility rollout. The partners said they plan to expand the model to other European urban centers over time, with further market announcements expected in the coming months.

Uber requires autonomous vehicles on its platform to meet applicable regulatory standards and the company’s safety requirements. As a result, expansion is expected to proceed gradually as data from the Zagreb operation accumulates. The staged rollout also supports Uber’s move toward operations without human safety monitors.

Uber has said it expects autonomous vehicles to complement, rather than replace, human drivers across its transportation network. Drivers will continue to handle trips in areas where autonomous rides are unavailable or impractical. The robotaxi rollout broadens Uber’s service offering within its mobility business as the company adds another vehicle type to the same platform.

Customers in Zagreb can access the autonomous service by selecting UberX or Comfort in the Uber app. When a self-driving vehicle is available, the app shows vehicle details and instructions for passengers. The European launch adds to Uber’s autonomous vehicle strategy and creates another revenue channel within its mobility business.