Waymo to end Uber partnership in Austin and Atlanta by 2028

Waymo will cease offering its autonomous ride-hailing services via the Uber app in Austin and Atlanta beginning in January 2028. Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana confirmed the transition, stating that the company intends to manage all customer interactions exclusively through its own smartphone application.

The partnership was originally established to leverage Uber’s scale for market penetration. However, Mawakana noted that the integrated experience created uncertainty for riders, as the platform did not always clearly distinguish between autonomous vehicles and human-driven cars. Establishing a direct relationship with the rider has become a strategic priority for the company.

Uber, which maintains a portfolio of various autonomous vehicle partners, noted that Waymo made the decision to move away from the platform. The move effectively positions the two companies as direct competitors in these markets once the current agreement concludes.