Waymo Joins Uber in Austin Before Robotaxi Rollout
Uber users in Austin are now seeing a new option in their app: an invitation to express interest in hailing a Waymo robotaxi. While the service isn’t live yet, it will be soon. This move is part of Uber and Waymo’s latest partnership, set to launch in early 2025, bringing autonomous ride-hailing to both Austin and Atlanta.
A Shift in Uber’s Autonomous Strategy
Uber’s relationship with autonomous vehicles has been complex. After selling off its self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to Aurora in 2020, the company shifted focus toward partnerships rather than in-house development. Now, Uber has deals with 14 autonomous vehicle companies worldwide, including Waymo, to expand robotaxi, delivery, and trucking services. Waymo’s self-driving cars have been available on Uber’s platform in Phoenix since late 2023, but the Austin and Atlanta launches will mark a more exclusive partnership.
Under this agreement, only Uber users will be able to hail Waymo’s autonomous Jaguar I-PACE robotaxis in Austin and Atlanta. Uber will manage charging, maintenance, and cleaning, while Waymo remains responsible for the technology and autonomous operations.
Expansion Plans and Pricing
Initially, Waymo’s robotaxi fleet will be limited, with operations covering 37 square miles of Austin, including downtown, Hyde Park, and Montopolis. However, Uber and Waymo plan to scale up to hundreds of vehicles across both cities in the coming years.
Pricing for Waymo robotaxis will be the same as human-driven options like UberX and Uber Comfort, making autonomous rides more accessible to everyday users. Customers interested in trying the service can join the “interest list” through the Uber app by updating their settings and selecting autonomous vehicles under ride preferences.
What's Next
This latest collaboration signals Uber’s growing commitment to autonomous mobility, a sector once seen as a competitive threat. With Waymo’s technology and Uber’s platform, the two companies are setting the stage for a broader rollout of self-driving taxis in major U.S. cities.
For Austin and Atlanta residents, the future of ride-hailing is arriving fast—without a driver.
