Uber & Waymo Launch Robotaxi Service in Atlanta
▼ Summary
– Waymo robotaxis are now available in Atlanta via Uber, expanding their existing service in Austin and covering about 65 square miles initially.
– Uber reports an annual run rate of 1.5 million autonomous vehicle trips, while Waymo provides 250,000 paid robotaxi rides weekly across four cities.
– Waymo’s Atlanta fleet starts in the “dozens” and will grow to hundreds, shared with Austin, as part of the companies’ expansion plans.
– Uber users can choose Waymo robotaxis via the app, with rides priced the same as UberX or Uber Comfort, and manage vehicle access through Uber’s platform.
– The partnership splits responsibilities: Uber handles fleet maintenance and app access, while Waymo manages autonomous tech and operations.
Uber and Waymo have expanded their autonomous ride-hailing partnership to Atlanta, marking another milestone in the growing robotaxi industry. The service, already available in Austin, allows Uber users to request a driverless Waymo vehicle through the Uber app. Initially covering approximately 65 square miles in Atlanta, the rollout could significantly boost both companies’ operations if successful.
Uber reports an annual run rate of 1.5 million autonomous vehicle trips across its mobility and delivery network, while Waymo completes around 250,000 paid robotaxi rides weekly in cities like Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. Adding Atlanta to the mix is expected to drive those numbers even higher.
A Waymo spokesperson confirmed the fleet in Atlanta currently consists of “dozens” of vehicles, with plans to expand over time. The combined fleet for Atlanta and Austin is projected to grow into the hundreds. Unlike other markets where Waymo operates exclusively through its own app, the “Waymo on Uber” service blends robotaxis with traditional Uber rides, giving users the flexibility to choose between autonomous or human-driven options.
When matched with a Waymo vehicle, Uber riders receive a notification and can decide whether to accept the driverless ride or switch to a human-operated one. Once onboard, passengers use the Uber app to unlock the car, open the trunk, and begin their trip. Pricing remains consistent with UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber Comfort Electric rides.
The partnership divides responsibilities between the two companies: Uber manages fleet logistics, including charging, maintenance, and cleaning, while Waymo oversees autonomous technology, roadside assistance, and rider support. This collaboration builds on their September 2023 announcement to launch robotaxi services in Austin and Atlanta by early 2025.
With over 100 autonomous vehicles already operating commercially in Austin, the expansion into Atlanta signals a broader push toward mainstream adoption of self-driving ride-hailing services. As the technology matures, more cities could soon see similar integrations between human-driven and autonomous transportation options.
(Source: TechCrunch)
