Waymo Launches Public Robotaxi Rides in Austin Ahead of Uber Partnership
Waymo has taken a significant step toward its commercial launch in Austin, Texas, by opening its fully autonomous ride-hailing service to select members of the public. This move precedes its planned integration with Uber in early 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the expansion of self-driving technology.
Key Highlights of the Austin Rollout
- 24⁄7 Access via Waymo One App: Initial riders can now hail autonomous vehicles (AVs) around the clock using Waymo’s proprietary app. The service will transition to the Uber app in early 2025.
- Service Area Coverage: The robotaxis will operate across 37 square miles of Austin, spanning neighborhoods from Parker Lane and Montopolis in the south to Hyde Park and Tarrytown in the north.
- Fleet Details: While Waymo hasn’t disclosed the exact number of vehicles, its fleet in Austin and Atlanta consists of Jaguar I-PACE AVs, as confirmed in earlier statements.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans
Waymo’s collaboration with Uber is set to deepen next year, mirroring their existing partnership in Phoenix, where autonomous rides are already available via the Uber app. The company is also advancing its technology through a partnership with Chinese automaker Zeekr, testing a purpose-built autonomous vehicle platform. A recent teaser hinted at further developments:
“Keep your eyes peeled as we continue testing our 6th-gen Waymo Driver on the Zeekr platform across our Waymo One cities this fall.”
Background and Expansion
Waymo began offering autonomous rides to employees in Austin in March 2024, laying the groundwork for this public rollout. While the company hasn’t confirmed whether initial rides will be free (as is typical in its early phases), its focus remains on refining the service ahead of broader commercialization.
Current Waymo One Operations
Waymo’s ride-hailing service, Waymo One, already operates in:
- San Francisco
- Los Angeles
- Phoenix
Correction: An earlier version of this article stated that Waymo would offer rides via the Uber app this week. The service is currently available through the Waymo One app, with Uber integration expected in early 2025.
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