On March 4, 2025, Uber Technologies Inc. announced an exciting new partnership with Waymo, heralding the arrival of fully autonomous rides in Austin. This innovative collaboration aims to enhance the rider experience by integrating Waymo’s cutting-edge autonomous vehicle (AV) technology with Uber's extensive ride-hailing platform.

1. A New Era of Transportation

Starting today, Austin residents will have the opportunity to request rides in Waymo's all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles directly through the Uber app. This initiative signifies a notable step towards a future where transportation is increasingly electric and autonomous, aligning with Uber's vision of reimagining mobility.

How It Works

Riders in Austin can now enjoy the following features when opting for a Waymo ride:

Requesting a Waymo Ride: When requesting an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric, riders may be matched with a Waymo autonomous vehicle at no extra cost. Before the vehicle is dispatched, riders have the option to accept the Waymo vehicle or switch to a non-autonomous option.

Seamless App Integration: Upon arrival, riders can utilize the familiar Uber app to unlock the Waymo vehicle, access the trunk, and commence their journey. In addition, 24/7 customer support is available within the app and inside the Waymo vehicle, ensuring assistance is always at hand.

Safety Assurance: Safety remains a core priority for Uber. Any AV operating on the Uber platform must comply with stringent safety guidelines. Waymo's extensive experience, with tens of millions of miles driven in complex environments, underscores its commitment to improving road safety.

Enhancing User Experience

Uber is encouraging Austin riders to increase their chances of being matched with a Waymo vehicle by opting in via the Ride Preferences section of the app. This new feature is designed to enhance user engagement and interest in autonomous rides.

Expanding the Horizon

At launch, the Waymo rides are available across a significant area of Austin, encompassing 37 square miles, including key neighborhoods such as Hyde Park, Downtown, and Montopolis. Uber has plans to expand this service area in the future, further integrating autonomous rides into the fabric of urban transportation.

2. Looking Ahead: Atlanta Next

Following the successful launch in Austin, Uber is already preparing to expand Waymo's autonomous rides to Atlanta. Employees in the city have begun taking fully autonomous trips, marking an essential step in the rollout for public access.

A Vision for the Future

Uber's commitment to innovation is evident in this partnership with Waymo. The company aims to create a transportation ecosystem that is not only affordable but also sustainable and accessible to all. As we move further into the age of automation, the collaboration between traditional ride-hailing services and autonomous technology will likely reshape the future of urban mobility.

3. About Uber

Founded in 2010, Uber's mission is to create opportunity through movement. With over 58 billion trips completed, the company continues to develop products that connect users to their desired destinations, transforming the way people, food, and goods move within cities.

4. About Waymo

Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company, originated from the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009. Its mission is to enhance access to mobility while significantly reducing traffic-related fatalities. With the Waymo Driver completing tens of millions of miles on public roads, the company is paving the way for safer transportation solutions in cities across the United States.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of ride-hailing and autonomous vehicle integration, setting the stage for a transformative future in urban transportation.

Original press release