Uber, Waymo to Roll Out Self-Driving Taxis in Austin, Atlanta in 2025

Waymo’s self-driving taxis will be available on Uber in Austin and Atlanta next year, as the partnership between the two companies continues to expand.

It’s the latest step in the multi-year strategic partnership that was announced last year which has seen Waymo’s autonomous Jaguar I-Paces offered on the ride-hailing giant’s app in Phoenix, Arizona.

The new services in Texas and Georgia will be operational in “early 2025,” according to the companies.

However, there will be a key difference in the offering compared with Arizona.

In Phoenix, users have access to Waymo’s AVs through both Waymo’s own ride-hailing app and Uber. That will not be the case in Austin and Atlanta.

Instead, the cabs will only be able to be ordered through Uber, as the Waymo One app will not operate in either city.

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Waymo is currently testing its taxis in both Atlanta and in Austin, where it launched driverless rides for employees in March. It is understood a few early riders will be able to use the Waymo App there over the next couple of months before the transfer to Uber is put in place early next year.

Once the service is up and running, users looking to hail a ride on Uber have the chance of being matched with an AV, and will have the option of accepting or declining. If they choose the latter, they can instead opt for a human-driven taxi.

Related:Uber, Waymo Ink Self-Driving Taxi Deal

The new locations will also see the companies take responsibility for specific elements of the operation. Uber will provide fleet management services including vehicle cleaning and repairs, while Waymo will oversee testing and operation of the autonomous tech, including roadside assistance and certain rider support functions. 

It is unclear how many AVs will be deployed in either city initially, but the service is likely to grow to incorporate hundreds of robotaxis over time.

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, said: “We’re thrilled to build on our successful partnership with Waymo, which has already powered fully autonomous trips for tens of thousands of riders in Phoenix.

“Soon, riders in Austin and Atlanta will be able to experience that same mobility magic, through a new fleet of dedicated autonomous Waymo vehicles, available only on Uber.” 

The announcement is the latest in a series of link-ups that underline how Uber is determined to increase its use of autonomous technology. 

In the past couple of months alone, it has confirmed a deal with Chinese automaker BYD to develop AVs for use on the platform, pledged to work with U.K.-based Wayve on AI solutions for automakers and revealed that self-driving taxis from General Motors’ Cruise will also be offered on Uber in 2025.

Related:Uber Offers Waymo Driverless Taxis in Phoenix

Waymo also expressed its satisfaction at the prospect of the new services, with co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana saying: “Waymo’s mission is to be the world’s most trusted driver, and we’re excited to launch this expanded network and operations partnership with Uber in Austin and Atlanta to bring the benefits of fully autonomous driving to more riders.” 

It is now delivering 100,000 rides a week across all locations and recently confirmed it had racked up 22 million driverless miles by the end of June.