Waymo to Launch 2028 Robotaxi App in 2 Uber Cities as Partnership Nears End
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 4
Waymo to Launch 2028 Robotaxi App in 2 Uber Cities as Partnership Nears End
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 4
Summary
Waymo told Uber it plans to launch its own robotaxi app in Austin and Atlanta at the start of 2028, opening direct competition in the two cities where Uber now exclusively offers Waymo rides.
May 2028 marks the end of the current contract, though Waymo said it will keep its fleet on Uber's platform until then while exploring options to exit the partnership.
Uber's strategy has leaned on partners such as Waymo to avoid heavy autonomous-vehicle spending, so the move threatens its goal of becoming the default marketplace for driverless rides.
Six cities already have the Waymo app outside San Francisco and Los Angeles, suggesting the company increasingly wants a direct rider relationship rather than relying on Uber distribution.