Step 1
Read the Article
Read the article to understand the main idea.
記事を読んで、おおよその内容をつかみましょう。
Uber and Wayve launch self-driving taxis in London
Uber and Wayve, a British technology company, started London's first self-driving taxi service on Sept. 3, 2026. Uber is known for its app for booking rides. The cars are Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles with Wayve's self-driving technology.
A safety driver still sits behind the wheel. This person can take control or use the brakes if there is a problem. Uber and Wayve need government approval before the cars can run without safety drivers. They have not received it yet.
London's streets are narrow and often busy with cars, buses, bicycles, and rental e-bikes. In the U.K., it is legal for people to cross the street outside of crosswalks. This creates another difficulty for self-driving taxis.
The service started with fewer than 20 vehicles. Uber said the number of cars will grow over time. Prices are the same as regular Uber rides.
(AP)
Step 2
Check the Vocabulary and Phrases
Check the following vocabulary and phrases.
以下の単語やフレーズの発音、意味、使い方を確認しましょう。
vehicle
車、乗り物
a machine, usually with an engine and wheels, that is used for carrying people or things from one place to another
My family bought a new vehicle before our trip to the mountains.
家族で山へ旅行に行く前に、新しい車を買いました。
behind the wheel
運転席に、ハンドルを握って
in the position of driving a vehicle
You should never use your phone when you are behind the wheel.
運転中は絶対に携帯電話を使ってはいけません。
approval
承認
official agreement that something can happen or be done
The manager needs approval from the head office before signing the contract.
マネージャーは、契約書に署名する前に本社の承認を得る必要があります。
narrow
幅が狭い
having a small distance from one side to the other; not wide
The hallway in our old house is very narrow.
私たちの古い家の廊下はとても狭いです。
legal
合法の
allowed or required by law
It is legal to ride a bicycle on this path.
この道を自転車で走ることは合法です。
Step 3
Comprehension Questions
Answer the following questions based on the article.
理解度問題に挑戦しましょう。
What can the safety driver do if there is a problem?
Why is it difficult for self-driving taxis to drive in London?
Step 4
Discussion
Share your opinions on the following questions.
以下の質問について、自分の考えを述べてみましょう。
When do you need to take a taxi?
Have you ever seen a self-driving car in real life, on TV, or online? What did you think of it?
Would you like to ride in a self-driving taxi? Why or why not?
What is one problem with self-driving cars?
Do you think self-driving cars are a good idea for busy cities? Please explain your answer.