Unlock Austin’s Future: Uber Prepares for Waymo Takeover

Uber and Waymo to Launch Self-Driving Taxis in Austin

Imagine stepping into a car and having a safe, eco-friendly, and efficient ride without a human driver at the helm. This scenario is becoming a reality in Austin, Texas, as Uber and Waymo prepare to launch their co-branded self-driving taxi service.

Partnership and Availability

While Waymo’s driverless vehicles are currently only available to a small group of early testers in Austin, the service is expected to soon open up to the broader public. This partnership with Uber will allow Waymo’s vehicles to be available exclusively on the Uber app in Austin, with plans to expand to Atlanta next.

How it Works

When the service launches, customers in Austin can opt to be paired with a Waymo vehicle through the Uber app. They’ll pay the same rates as other Uber services, such as UberX, Uber Green, or Uber Comfort. Fares will be provided upfront, and customers can start the ride once the vehicle arrives. While on board, they can use the Uber app to unlock and begin their journey.

Shared Responsibilities

Uber and Waymo will share the responsibilities of running and maintaining the fleet of autonomous vehicles. Uber will handle tasks like vehicle cleaning and repair, while Waymo will be responsible for roadside assistance and customer service.

Waymo’s Milestones

Waymo has made significant strides in the self-driving space. Currently, their own ride-hail app, Waymo One, operates in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, having recently reached the milestone of completing 150,000 paid rides each week in all three cities. Studies show that Waymo has better customer retention rates than human-powered ride-hail services like Uber and Lyft.

Get Ready for Launch

To prepare for the launch, Uber is asking customers in Austin to indicate their interest in being paired with a Waymo vehicle by updating their app settings under "Preferences." By joining the "interest list," customers can increase their chance of being matched with an autonomous vehicle when the service goes live. Keep an eye out for the co-branded Waymo vehicles on the streets of Austin, operating within a 37-square-mile geofenced area that includes Hyde Park, Montopolis, and downtown.