Uber and Volkswagen's Self-Driving Vans Are Hitting the Streets. Here's When You Can Ride - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Cars > Automobiles > Autonomous Vehicles The companies are starting on-road testing of the autonomous ID Buzz vehicle in Los Angeles. Purpose-built ID Buzz autonomous vehicles are now roaming the streets of Los Angeles — first, with a human onboard. Prepare for a new robotaxi to hit the road. Uber and Volkswagen’s self-driving division have started validation testing on the streets of Los Angeles for their ID Buzz vehicle, the companies said Wednesday. It’s a critical step in their plan to open up to riders in the coming months. The autonomous minivans will first navigate the streets of LA with human operators onboard to supervise. The companies plan to launch their robotaxi service on the Uber app later this year and expand to more cities over the next decade. MOIA America, the name of the Volkswagen Group company that’s developing autonomous vehicle technology, plans to scale the self-driving fl