Uber has joined forces with Waymo to offer autonomous robotaxi rides through the Uber app, marking a significant milestone in the world of ride-sharing. This initiative, launched this week in Phoenix, brings fully autonomous rides to Uber users for the first time.
This partnership represents a paradigm shift for Uber, which had previously abandoned its own robotaxi ambitions. Now, Uber users can opt for driverless transportation while selecting UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric categories, provided that the service is available and the car is free at the time of booking.
Users who prefer the human touch can easily opt for a traditional chauffeur-driven ride or slightly adjust their app settings to receive robotaxi offers more frequently. The Waymo robotaxi fares will be determined upfront, offering transparency in pricing.
To hail a Waymo robotaxi, users need only press a designated button within the Uber app, which also unlocks the vehicle. Once inside the cabin, another tap on the app is all it takes to start the driverless journey. This user-friendly experience aims to make the transition to autonomous transportation seamless.
Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, emphasized the coexistence of human and autonomous drivers on the platform, envisioning a future where both modes thrive. This transition allows Uber to scale a hybrid global network that caters to a wide spectrum of user preferences.
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has been offering autonomous rides in Phoenix since 2020. The partnership with Uber is poised to expand their reach, attracting a broader customer base to experience the future of transportation. Waymo’s robotaxis are already making over 10,000 trips each week in the Phoenix metropolitan area, underlining the growing demand for autonomous rides.
While Waymo’s expansion is a significant step in the autonomous driving industry, it is worth noting that the company recently received a permit to fully operate in San Francisco. This could potentially give Waymo a competitive edge over rivals like Cruise, whose permit was revoked due to a recent hit-and-run collision involving a pedestrian. Waymo’s continued success may pave the way for a new era of driverless mobility and redefine the future of ride-sharing.