Uber is set to offer Waymo robotaxi rides through its app, marking a significant shift towards autonomous transportation in Phoenix. This collaboration between Uber and Waymo opens a new chapter in the world of ride-sharing and self-driving technology.
Uber, which relinquished its own robotaxi endeavors, is now joining forces with Waymo to introduce autonomous rides without human drivers. Users in Phoenix can now find the option to select Waymo robotaxis when booking a ride in the UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric categories, provided the service area and a robotaxi are available. This groundbreaking feature became active in Phoenix starting Tuesday, creating a new choice for riders.
Customers can choose to opt out of the robotaxi experience in favor of traditional human-driven transportation, or they can adjust their settings to receive robotaxi offers more frequently. The fare for Waymo robotaxi rides, like other Uber services, will be calculated upfront. Upon the vehicle’s arrival, riders can unlock the robotaxi by pressing a designated button in the Uber app and then initiate the journey by pressing another.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted the coexistence of human-driven and autonomous cars on the Uber platform. He stated, “Expect the number of human drivers and driverless cars on the Uber platform to grow side-by-side for a long time to come as we continue to scale a hybrid global network that connects both modes.”
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has been offering autonomous rides in Phoenix since 2020. However, this partnership with Uber is expected to attract a more extensive customer base. Waymo’s robotaxis are currently making over 10,000 trips each week within the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Notably, Waymo has recently secured a permit to operate fully in San Francisco, potentially giving it an edge over competitors such as Cruise, which had its permit revoked following a hit-and-run incident involving a pedestrian. This collaboration is a significant leap toward integrating autonomous transportation into everyday life, hinting at the bright future of driverless rideshare services.