Uber users in Austin now have a choice between a waymo robotaxi and a human driver.
The two companies launched the “Waymo on Uber” Robotaxi service in Austin on Tuesday as part of a partnership that has been deepened in recent months. The launch comes just a few days before SXSW, the annual Tech, Music, Film and Comedy Conference, starts in Austin.
From today, Uber users who go a ride can be matched with a waymo robotaxi. Users can still opt for the people powered by people, and not the robotaxi, According to Uber. And both options will be priced the same.
Uber customers who want to increase their chances to be linked to a Waymo can register via the “Ride preferences” section of their Uber app under “Settings”.
Uber and Waymo have not revealed how much robotaxis would be in the Austin fleet.
The companies share the fleet of Waymo AVS, will grow to hundreds of vehicles in both Austin and Atlanta in the coming years.
Waymo and Uber, once bitter rivals, have had more lovable terms in recent years. The autonomous vehicles from Waymo have been available on the Uber app in Phoenix since October 2023. And the two companies expanded the partnership last year with plans to launch a more exclusive “Waymo on Uber” Robotaxi service in Austin and Atlanta in 2025. (Atlanta still has to launch.)
The structure of the “Waymo on Uber” service predicts how each company has its role in the emerging autonomous vehicle industry.
According to the scheme, Waymo will be responsible for vehicle tests, assistance of the road and certain aspects of supporting the driver. Uber will manage the fleet services, such as vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging and depot activities through a company called Moove Cars, which is Rebranding for Avomo. In 2021, Uber acquired a minority interest of 30% in the European company Moove Cars – not to be mistaken with Moove, which happens to manage the AV fleet of Waymo in Phoenix.
Up to 2020 Uber developed its own autonomous vehicle technology via its Uber ATG activities. After various controversies, including a lawsuit with Waymo and a fatal crash with an autonomous test vehicle, the Ride-Hailing company Uber ATG has divested in a complex deal with Aurora.
Uber finally decided his suits with Waymo; A few years later, the two companies would come together on friendlier conditions.
Uber has spent its position in the emerging robotaxi market in recent years by locking partnerships with companies such as Waymo.
Uber works together with 14 autonomous vehicle companies that cover ride, delivery and trucks and a handful of commercial. In December, Uber Robotaxi rides with world launched in Abu Dhabi. The company also has commercial deals with Bot -Bot companies from Sidewalk Delivery Avride, Cartken and Serve Robotics
