Uber is embarking on an exciting new venture in Austin, Texas, as it gears up to launch its autonomous ride-hailing service on Tuesday. This groundbreaking initiative will see self-driving cars dispatched to pick up passengers, marking a significant step forward in transportation technology. The introduction of this autonomous option is the result of a strategic partnership between Uber and the trailblazing robotaxi innovator Waymo. The latter is renowned for its self-driving vehicle services, which are currently available through its app in cities such as Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Now, with the aim of expanding its reach to more urban centers, Waymo has joined forces with Uber in a collaboration that was first announced in September last year.
The partnership’s debut in Austin is just the beginning, with plans to extend the availability of robotaxi rides to Atlanta later this year. Waymo’s cutting-edge robotaxis will hit the streets of Austin ahead of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s ambitious target to launch a fleet of electric self-driving cars by the end of the year. While Uber’s existing network of human-driven vehicles will continue to operate in Austin, the addition of Waymo’s robotaxis will undoubtedly enhance the company’s offerings and appeal to passengers intrigued by the prospect of experiencing the latest in autonomous driving technology.
“As we leverage Waymo’s advanced technology alongside Uber’s established platform, we are excited to bring you the ride of the future today,” Uber proudly exclaimed about the arrival of robotaxis in Austin. Although passengers cannot guarantee that a ride hailed through Uber’s app in Austin will be fulfilled by a Waymo robotaxi, they can increase the likelihood of riding in a self-driving car by adjusting their settings to indicate a preference for autonomous vehicles. Upon dispatching a Waymo vehicle to pick up a passenger, Uber’s app will notify the user that the ride will be conducted by a self-driving car, while also offering the option to switch to a human-driven vehicle if desired.
Originally developed as a clandestine project within Google, Waymo has made significant strides since its robotaxis first began offering paid rides in Phoenix nearly five years ago. The service has since gained traction, with Waymo now averaging an impressive 200,000 paid rides per week, a substantial increase from the approximately 10,000 weekly rides recorded just two years ago. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, who oversees the parent company of Google and Waymo, highlighted these achievements in a recent post, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing autonomous transportation.
Following its expansion into Austin and Atlanta through the Uber partnership, Waymo has set its sights on launching services in Miami next year via its own app, mirroring its successful operations in other major cities. Notably, Waymo has maintained a stellar safety record, steering clear of any significant traffic incidents or safety concerns that might prompt regulatory scrutiny. In contrast, automaker General Motors encountered challenges in San Francisco
