Croatia's Verne launch Robotaxi, claiming Europe's first driverless taxi

A Croatian company is launching what it says is Europe’s first self-driving taxi service, Robotaxi.

The service, operated by Verne, started last month with 10 self-driving vehicles covering a 90-square-kilometer area in the Croatian capital, Zagreb, but are in negotiations with other European cities already.

"This is the first commercial robotaxi service in Europe. Users can order a robotaxi to drive from point A to point B within the current service zone completely independently through the Verna app," said Filip Cindric, head of operations in Croatia for Verne.

Passengers can order rides through the Verne mobile application, which shows available pickup and drop-off locations across the service zone.

The vehicles drive independently, but currently operate with a safety operator, a feature the company will remove in the next phase once it meets the required safety and regulatory standards.

During the rides, passengers can track their route on screens inside the cars.

If successful Verne aims to expand the service to approximately 30 other European cities.

Production: Antonio Bronic, Anna Lubowicka/Reuters