Waymo and Uber, once fierce competitors, are expanding their robotaxi collaboration to new markets. The two companies recently revealed that their partnership, which began in Phoenix, Arizona, will soon extend to Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia. This expansion, slated to start in early 2025, highlights the growing alliance between Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet (Google’s parent company), and Uber, the leading ride-hailing service, as they work together to introduce autonomous taxis to more cities.
The relationship between Waymo and Uber has seen a significant transformation over the years. Once embroiled in a contentious legal battle, the companies have managed to find common ground. In 2017, Waymo sued Uber, accusing it of trade secret theft and patent infringement related to Otto, a self-driving truck startup founded by former Google engineer Anthony Levandowski, which Uber had acquired. Waymo alleged that Levandowski had stolen proprietary technology, leading to a high-profile court case. The dispute was settled in 2018, with Uber agreeing to pay Waymo a settlement and admitting some level of technology misappropriation. Levandowski received an 18-month prison sentence but was later pardoned by former President Donald Trump.
Despite their contentious history, Waymo and Uber have recently shifted towards a cooperative relationship. In 2022, they initiated a partnership to integrate Waymo’s autonomous vehicles into Uber’s app in Phoenix. This collaboration has proven advantageous for Waymo, which benefits from Uber’s extensive user base while Uber offers its customers access to cutting-edge autonomous transportation. The companies now aim to replicate this success in Austin and Atlanta.
Launching in Austin and Atlanta
In early 2025, Waymo’s driverless cars will be available for rides via the Uber app in Austin and Atlanta. During the initial phase, Waymo One, Waymo’s own ride-hailing app, will not be used in these cities. Instead, Uber will be the exclusive platform for booking Waymo’s autonomous rides in both locations.
Waymo is already conducting tests of its self-driving vehicles in these new cities, with employees using Waymo One for ride-hailing as part of the testing process. In the upcoming weeks, Waymo plans to invite a select group of early users to test the Waymo One app before transitioning fully to the Uber platform next year.
The operational setup in Austin and Atlanta will differ from Phoenix. In these new markets, the responsibilities for managing the robotaxi fleet will be shared between Waymo and Uber. Uber will handle tasks such as cleaning, maintenance, and depot operations, while Waymo will supply the autonomous vehicles and manage customer service and roadside assistance. This arrangement underscores the companies’ commitment to integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday ride-hailing services.
Expanding Waymo’s robotaxi service to Austin and Atlanta represents both significant opportunities and challenges. Waymo already operates its autonomous ride-hailing service in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, recently achieving a milestone of 100,000 rides per week across these cities. However, the robotaxi sector faces hurdles due to regulatory restrictions and the high costs associated with autonomous technology. Unlike traditional ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft, which face fewer operational restrictions, Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are limited to specific areas and face challenges in expanding their service range.
Additionally, the robotaxi market is competitive. While Waymo has demonstrated strong customer retention, it faces competition from other players in the autonomous ride-hailing field. Companies like Motional, owned by Hyundai, are also offering robotaxi services through the Uber app in Las Vegas, intensifying the competitive landscape.
Strengthening the Partnership
Despite these challenges, both Waymo and Uber are optimistic about their expanding collaboration. Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana expressed enthusiasm about the extended partnership in Austin and Atlanta, emphasizing the potential of autonomous driving to benefit more passengers. Similarly, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted the success of their Phoenix collaboration, noting that it has facilitated tens of thousands of rides for Uber users.
The partnership between Waymo and Uber extends beyond ride-hailing into autonomous trucking, with Waymo’s technology being used in Uber’s Freight division. This collaboration allows fleet operators to use autonomous trucks for long-haul routes, further integrating Waymo’s technology into Uber’s logistics operations.
The expansion of Waymo and Uber’s robotaxi partnership into Austin and Atlanta is a promising development, but it comes with challenges. The robotaxi industry remains in its early stages, facing significant technological and regulatory obstacles. Additionally, the memory of Uber’s previously troubled autonomous vehicle program, which was terminated following a 2018 accident involving a pedestrian, adds a layer of caution.
Nonetheless, the collaboration between Waymo and Uber signifies a major step towards a driverless future in urban transportation. With robotaxi services set to launch in Austin and Atlanta in 2025, both companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of the evolving market, offering a glimpse into the future of ride-hailing and autonomous transportation.
