Waymo has officially launched its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin, Texas, allowing Uber users to request driverless rides in select areas of the city.
The rollout marks a key milestone in Waymo’s partnership with Uber and the expansion of its Waymo One robotaxi service across the U.S.
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Riders using the Uber app can now opt for a Waymo autonomous vehicle when selecting UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Green, or Uber Comfort Electric. The service operates within a 37-square-mile area, covering neighborhoods such as Hyde Park, Downtown Austin, and Montopolis.
Waymo’s fleet, consisting of Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs, will be available through the Uber app, allowing users to unlock doors, open the trunk, and begin their trip via in-app controls.
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There’s a new way to ride in ATX! 🎉 We’re now live in Austin, only on @Uber. Increase your chances of getting matched → open the Uber app when you’re in Austin and toggle Autonomous vehicles in settings for Waymo ride preferences. pic.twitter.com/HlASyBM0ZH
— Waymo (@Waymo) March 4, 2025
“Austin is the first market where Uber is managing and dispatching Waymo vehicles, making this a significant moment for our partnership,” Waymo said in a social media announcement.
Backed by parent company Alphabet Inc., Waymo has expanded operations in cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. The company secured $5.6 billion in funding in 2024, supporting its plans to scale robotaxi services nationwide. The partnership with Uber is set to extend to Atlanta later this year, with a Miami launch planned for 2026.
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Austin serves as a testing ground for Waymo’s broader integration with Uber’s platform, with industry observers watching closely to gauge public reception and operational performance.