Waymo, Uber to End Exclusive Robotaxi Arrangement in Atlanta and Austin
Waymo and Uber will end their exclusivity arrangement for robotaxi services in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, starting in early 2028. Waymo plans to launch its own app in these markets.
Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving car unit, and Uber are set to end their exclusive partnership for robotaxi services in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, from January 2028. The change will allow Waymo to deploy its own consumer-facing application in both cities, alongside its existing integration with Uber.
The current agreement has enabled Waymo's autonomous vehicles to operate exclusively through the Uber app in these two markets for the past three years. The termination of exclusivity permits Uber to offer rides from other autonomous vehicle providers on its platform in Atlanta and Austin.
This development reflects Waymo's expansion in the robotaxi sector, with its services now active in nine other U.S. cities and more undergoing testing. Last year, Waymo also established a non-exclusive deal with Lyft to offer autonomous rides in Nashville, Tennessee.
A Waymo spokesperson stated that users need "choice in how they experience this technology," emphasizing the goal of making the Waymo app and its safety features widely accessible. Uber's stock saw a drop of over 4% following the announcement, indicating market reaction to the shift in their autonomous vehicle strategy.