On Tuesday, Uber introduced its collaboration with Waymo, allowing Austin, Texas residents to hail driverless rides, marking a significant technological expansion directly in Tesla’s backyard.
Beginning this week, Austin residents can now request a driverless vehicle through Uber’s platform, specifically powered by Waymo, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, Alphabet. These autonomous rides will be available across a 37-square-mile area, introducing a new chapter in ridesharing technology in a state known for testing such innovations.
Andrew Macdonald, Uber’s Senior Vice President of Mobility, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, citing strong municipal support as a key factor in bringing autonomous vehicles to the market. ‘We’re believers in the technology, and it’s exciting to see autonomy entering the stage and expanding,’ he noted during an interview.
Previously opponents in a legal battle over self-driving technology, Uber and Waymo have now forged a partnership. Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s Head of Business Development, highlighted this collaboration as ‘an exciting step toward scaling safe, convenient, and sustainable autonomous technology.’
Rideshare options like UberX, Uber Green, and Uber Comfort could match users with the fully autonomous, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE without extra charges. Users can also set preferences to increase their chances of securing a Waymo vehicle, although options for traditional rides remain available for those unwilling to go driverless.
Uber previously explored autonomous vehicle operations, having piloted similar initiatives in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2023. This alliance aims to scale the number of self-driving cars in Austin and Atlanta into the hundreds over the coming years. Employees are already testing the technology in Atlanta, with local government and consumer support being pivotal to these advancements.
The move is notable as Tesla, with its headquarters in Austin, also pursues approval for autonomous ride-hailing services in California. With a background of pioneering ventures, including manufacturing the Model Y and Cybertruck, Austin serves as a fertile ground for Uber and Waymo’s latest endeavor.
Safety remains a major consideration, underscored by incidents faced by autonomous ventures like General Motors’ Cruise robotaxis, which encountered issues including accidents. However, Uber ensures a 24/7 human support system for users through its app to handle any emergencies during driverless rides.
The expansion does not end with Austin and Atlanta as Uber plans to broaden its autonomous vehicle operations to other cities. Macdonald emphasized the potential for market growth and the shift towards shared mobility as consumers reassess the need for personal car ownership. ‘The opportunities for expanding rideshare and moving away from individual car ownership are compelling,’ he added.
The introduction of driverless Uber rides in Austin marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of urban transportation, providing a glimpse into the future of mobility. As Uber and Waymo expand their operations, the landscape of ridesharing continues to evolve, offering consumers greater choices and fostering innovation in cities like Austin and beyond.
