Uber and Waymo have announced the launch of driverless rideshare services in Austin, Texas, marking a significant expansion of their partnership. Starting Tuesday, Uber users in Austin can hail fully autonomous Waymo vehicles, specifically all-electric Jaguar I-PACE cars, through the Uber app. This service will cover a 37-square-mile area and is available across UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, and Uber Comfort Electric tiers at no additional cost. Riders can also adjust preferences to increase their chances of being matched with a Waymo vehicle.
This collaboration highlights a shift in the relationship between the companies, which were previously involved in a legal dispute over self-driving technology. Now, they are working together to scale autonomous mobility. Uber will handle fleet management tasks such as cleaning and repairs, while Waymo remains responsible for vehicle testing, operations, and roadside assistance.
Austin is the second city after Phoenix to feature this partnership, with plans to expand to Atlanta later this year. The fleet in both cities is expected to grow to hundreds of vehicles over time. This move aligns with Uber’s broader strategy of integrating autonomous vehicles into its platform while focusing on partnerships rather than developing its own self-driving technology.
Safety remains a key focus following past incidents involving other autonomous vehicle operators. Riders will have access to 24/7 human support through the Uber app in case of emergencies or technical issues. The initiative aims to enhance rideshare accessibility and reduce reliance on personal car ownership