Uber and Waymo have introduced an “interest list” for customers in Austin, marking a step toward launching an autonomous ride-hailing service in the city later this year. The initiative is part of a broader partnership between the companies to deploy Waymo robotaxis in Austin and Atlanta in early 2025.
The feature, which became available on Uber’s app on Wednesday, allows users to signal interest in hailing a Waymo robotaxi, though rides are not yet available. The companies have not disclosed a launch date, but service is expected to begin soon in Austin.
See also: Waymo to Test Autonomous Vehicles in 10 New Cities, Starting with Las Vegas and San Diego
Under the partnership, Uber users will be able to book rides in Waymo’s autonomous Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles. “Waymo on Uber” will be the sole autonomous ride-hailing option available through Uber in both cities, unlike in Phoenix, where Waymo also operates its own ride service separately from Uber.
Waymo will oversee the autonomous driving technology and rider support, while Uber will handle fleet operations, including charging, maintenance, and cleaning. The initial coverage area in Austin will span 37 square miles, including downtown, Hyde Park, and Montopolis, with plans for expansion.
See also: Security Researcher Finds Hidden Feature in Waymo App, Customizes Robotaxi Dome Text
The companies have not disclosed the size of the launch fleet but said it would grow to hundreds of vehicles in both cities over time. Riders matched with a Waymo vehicle will pay the same fares as human-driven UberX or Uber Comfort rides.
Uber has been expanding its presence in the autonomous mobility sector, partnering with 14 self-driving technology firms, including WeRide, which launched robotaxi rides on Uber’s platform in Abu Dhabi in December.
Uber and Waymo’s collaboration marks a shift from their past rivalry, which included a legal dispute over trade secrets that was settled in 2018. Uber previously developed its own self-driving technology but exited the segment in 2020 by selling its autonomous vehicle unit to Aurora Innovation.
See also: Waymo to Launch First Robotaxi Service Outside the U.S. in Tokyo, Starting 2025
Austin-based Uber users can join the “interest list” by updating their app settings to enable autonomous ride preferences, increasing their chances of being matched with a Waymo vehicle when the service launches.
