Uber to introduce self-driving cars in Pittsburgh

The ride-sharing firm Uber will, for the first time, allow users to hail self-driving cars within a fortnight, the company has confirmed, the BBC reports.

Uber said the launch would take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It added that it was teaming up with Volvo.

At first, the vehicles will be supervised by a driver, who can take control if necessary, and an observer, Bloomberg reported.

Uber eventually hopes to replace its one million drivers, Bloomberg said.

A spokeswoman for the firm told the BBC: "Starting later this month, Uber will allow customers in downtown Pittsburgh to summon self-driving cars from their phones, crossing an important milestone that no automotive or technology company has yet achieved.

"In Pittsburgh, customers will request cars the normal way, via Uber's app, and will be paired with a driverless car at random. Trips will be free for the time being, rather than the standard local rate of $1.30 [£0.98] per mile."

There were conflicting reports over which vehicles would be involved in the first trials.

Some of the first self-driving Uber cars in Pittsburgh will be modified Volvo XC90s, reported Bloomberg.

But the Associated Press said the initial cars would be modified Ford Fusions. The firm first began testing the vehicles on the the city's roads earlier this year.

Volvo has confirmed it is taking part in a "joint project" between Uber and the carmaker.

"Both Uber and Volvo will use the same base vehicle for the next stage of their own autonomous car strategies," the firm said.

"This will involve Uber adding its own self-developed autonomous driving systems to the Volvo base vehicle."

Engineers from both companies would collaborate on the project, the firm added.

"This alliance places Volvo at the heart of the current technological revolution in the automotive industry," said Hakan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo.

The Bloomberg story notes that the Volvo deal will not be an exclusive one and that Uber plans to work with other carmakers.