Waymo to Launch Robotaxi Service Independently in Austin and Atlanta
Alphabet-owned Waymo plans to launch its robotaxi service independently in Austin and Atlanta starting January 2028, ending its current partnership with Uber on these specific markets.
Alphabet's self-driving technology company Waymo intends to launch its robotaxi service independently in Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, beginning January 2028. Current contractual terms permit this independent market entry, with the existing service agreement with Uber set to conclude in May 2028.
Waymo and Uber have been collaborating to offer robotaxi services in these two markets. Previously, Uber also served as the platform for Waymo's services in Phoenix, but that partnership concluded in May 2024.
Disagreements over service quality are reportedly among the reasons for the split. Waymo has allegedly raised concerns about the cleanliness of Uber's route planning for its robotaxi fleet, while Uber has stated that Waymo has constrained its vehicle deployment. Tensions were reportedly exacerbated by incidents such as Waymo vehicles getting collectively lost in Atlanta in May, attributed to Uber's improper route planning, and an exchange of letters between Uber and Waymo concerning traffic violations by autonomous vehicles.
Furthermore, the companies' political lobbying efforts have revealed conflicting interests. Uber has proposed that robotaxi services, during a pilot program in New Jersey, must have at least 85% of trips completed by human drivers. Waymo, conversely, has advocated for significant licensing fees for new autonomous vehicle operators.