Waymo And Uber To Bring Robotaxis To Austin and Atlanta

In the ever-expanding universe of autonomous mobility or self-driving vehicles, industry leader Waymo has been enjoying a good few months off late.

From hardware and software upgrades and updates that enhance the overall experience to expanding its reach in major cities such as Phoenix, Arizona and San Francisco, California and others in the United States, the company has shown why it’s the market leader.

Now, Waymo has come forth with a new announcement that builds on a previous partnership with ride-hailing service giant, Uber. Together, the two companies plan to take the surreal experience of traveling in automated vehicles to novel users in new horizons!

So, what did the two companies reveal about their expanded partnership? Let’s explore!

What Is The Waymo And Uber Expanded Partnership About?

 

• Through news releases published on Waymo’s and Uber’s websites, the two companies announced an expanded partnership that will bring Waymo’s autonomous vehicles to users in Austin, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia.

• the move aims to bring the Waymo experience to more people through the Uber platform.

• Coming in 2025, the Waymo One experience will be exclusively available only on the Uber app.

• The move will see Uber dispatch a large number of Waymo’s fully autonomous, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.

• This fleet is expected to grow to hundreds of vehicles over time.

• Furthermore, Uber will manage the fleet, which includes providing services such as cleaning, repair and other “general depot operations”.

• However, Waymo will oversee the testing and operation of the Waymo Driver, the vehicle’s self-driving software, as well as roadside assistance and certain rider support functions.

• Currently, Waymo already has a presence in Austin, as it offers the service to employees, which was announced over a year ago.

• The company plans to allow some users to experience the service through the Waymo One app before it fully transitions to the Uber app in 2025.

• In Atlanta, users will get to experience the service through the Uber app in early 2025.

• Moving forward, the two companies will work together to scale and enhance the safe, reliable and convenient service for riders.

What Did Waymo And Uber Executives Say?

 

• Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, said, “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.”

• [Contd.] “We’ve been delighted at the positive feedback from our Waymo One riders to date, and we can’t wait to bring the comfort, convenience, and safety of the Waymo Driver to these cities in partnership with Uber.”

• 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.”

• [Contd.] “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.”

Do you think this move will provide Waymo with an edge over their long-term rival Cruise along with other competitors? Do you think Waymo’s and Uber’s rivals need to make similar moves to retain a good share of the ride-hailing market?

Let us know in the comments below!