Atlanta, Get Ready to Robotaxi Uber & Waymo Launch Self-Driving Rides!

Uber and Waymo’s Commercial Robotaxi Service is Open for Business in Atlanta

The future of transportation has officially arrived in Atlanta! Waymo robotaxis are now available for hailing via the Uber app, marking a significant expansion of the "Waymo on Uber" service already operating in Austin, Texas. This exciting development, announced on Tuesday, promises to revolutionize how Atlantans navigate the city.

This commercial launch is set to cover approximately 65 square miles of Atlanta initially, potentially boosting both Uber's and Waymo's business ventures significantly.

Here's what you need to know:

• Expanded Partnership: The "Waymo on Uber" service builds upon an already strong partnership between the two tech giants.
• Impressive Numbers: Uber boasts an impressive annual run-rate of 1.5 million mobility and delivery AV trips on its network.
• Growing Reach: Waymo currently provides 250,000 paid robotaxi rides every week across Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. Atlanta's addition is expected to further increase these numbers.

While the exact size of Waymo's Atlanta fleet is currently in the "dozens," a company spokesperson assured TechCrunch that it will be expanded over time. The combined fleet for both Atlanta and Austin is projected to grow into the hundreds.

How the "Waymo on Uber" Service Works:

This service presents a unique hybrid model where robotaxis and traditional human-driven vehicles coexist. Here's a breakdown:

• Setting Preferences: Uber users can indicate their preference for a Waymo ride within the app, increasing their chances of being matched.
• Accept or Switch: If matched with a Waymo, users have the option to accept the robotaxi or switch to a human-driven ride.
• Seamless Integration: Once the robotaxi arrives, riders use the Uber app to unlock the vehicle, open the trunk, and commence their journey.

This setup distinguishes itself from Waymo's other markets, where riders typically use the Waymo One app to hail robotaxis directly.

Cost and Responsibilities:

Robotaxi rides will be priced competitively, mirroring the costs of UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric rides driven by humans.

The responsibilities for operating the service are divided between the two companies:

• Uber: Handles charging, maintenance, and cleaning of the autonomous vehicles, as well as managing access via its app.
• Waymo: Monitors the technology and autonomous operations, including roadside assistance and certain aspects of rider support.

This launch follows the initial announcement in September, outlining plans to introduce the robotaxi service in Austin and Atlanta in early 2025 as part of an expanded partnership. The Austin service launched in March, with Waymo deploying over 100 robotaxis in its commercial fleet there.

The integration of Waymo's cutting-edge autonomous technology with Uber's expansive ride-hailing platform represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of urban transportation. Atlanta's adoption of this innovative service not only provides residents with a novel and convenient transportation option but also sets the stage for further advancements in the autonomous vehicle industry. As the fleet expands and the technology matures, we can anticipate even greater efficiency, safety, and accessibility in our cities.

Tags: Waymo, Uber, Robotaxis, Atlanta, Autonomous vehicles, AV trips, Mobility, Delivery, Waymo on Uber, Ride-hailing

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/uber-and-waymos-commercial-robotaxi-service-is-open-for-business-in-atlanta/