Uber is extending an invitation to its customers in Atlanta to join a list if they show interest in using a Waymo robotaxi, as the companies gear up to launch a commercial service in the city.
In September, Uber and Waymo announced their plans to introduce a robotaxi service in Austin and Atlanta by early 2025, as part of their expanded partnership. By March, the companies commenced the “Waymo on Uber” robotaxi service in Austin, following the creation of an “interest list” for customers.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, both companies confirmed the public will have the opportunity to hail a robotaxi in Atlanta this summer. The “Waymo on Uber” service divides responsibilities between the two companies: Uber is responsible for charging, maintenance, and cleaning of the autonomous vehicles, along with managing access to them via its app, whereas Waymo oversees the technology and autonomous operations, including rider assistance.
As per the partnership agreement, only Uber users will be able to use Waymo’s fleet of autonomous Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.
The relationship between Uber and Waymo marks a significant transformation from early 2018 when both companies faced off in a trial over allegations that Uber had stolen trade secrets belonging to Waymo. This lawsuit was settled in February 2018.
In the years since the settlement, Waymo has developed, tested, and eventually launched a commercial robotaxi service in Phoenix, later extending its services to San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Uber, on the other hand, followed a different path to offering a commercial robotaxi service. After the settlement, Uber continued to manage its own autonomous vehicle unit, Uber ATG, for two more years, before divesting it in a complex transaction with Aurora in December 2020.
Uber has subsequently strengthened its position in the emerging robotaxi market by collaborating with various autonomous vehicle developers. The company has established partnerships with 14 autonomous vehicle firms across ride-hailing, delivery, and trucking services, of which several are operational commercially. In December, Uber introduced robotaxi rides in Abu Dhabi with WeRide, and Waymo’s autonomous vehicles have been accessible through the Uber app in Phoenix since October 2023.
Atlanta is poised to join a growing list of cities where residents can hail a driverless car. Initially, the service will cover 65 square miles of Atlanta, including Downtown, Buckhead, and Capitol View, with plans to expand the operating area in the future.
Uber and Waymo indicated that customers who join the list will receive updates and have an increased chance of hailing a robotaxi once the service officially starts. Those who sign up may also gain early access to Waymo rides before they are widely available.
To join, Uber customers in Atlanta should update the app, navigate to “Account,” then “Settings,” and select “Ride Preferences.” There, they can find a list that includes autonomous vehicles and an option to join the interest list.
