The Uber app is now poised to provide rides on Waymo robotaxis in Phoenix. This partnership heralds a significant shift in the ride-sharing industry, as Uber ventures into autonomous rides without human drivers for the first time, following the discontinuation of its own robotaxi project.
Starting this week, the Uber app is extending its services to encompass Waymo’s robotaxi fleet. Users in Phoenix can now opt for autonomous rides while booking in the UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric categories, provided the service area and vehicles are available. This transformative feature is expected to reshape the way passengers experience ride-sharing in the city.
Notably, the app will allow users to exercise their preference, offering the choice between human-driven or autonomous rides. Adjusting a few settings can prompt the app to prioritize robotaxis for users who wish to experience the future of transportation.
Much like traditional Uber rides, the fare for Waymo robotaxis will be determined upfront, offering transparency and predictability to users. Upon arrival of the autonomous vehicle, a unique button within the Uber app will allow passengers to unlock the car. Once inside, another tap will initiate the journey, reflecting the seamless integration of these innovative services.
Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, expressed his anticipation for the coexistence of human-driven and autonomous vehicles within the Uber platform. In a blog post, he stated, “Expect the number of human drivers and driverless cars on the Uber platform to grow side-by-side for a long time to come as we continue to scale a hybrid global network that connects both modes.”
While Waymo has been offering autonomous rides in Phoenix since 2020, its partnership with Uber is expected to expand the reach of these services and attract a more diverse customer base. Waymo currently conducts over 10,000 autonomous trips in the Phoenix metropolitan area on a weekly basis, making it a prominent player in the autonomous transportation sector.
Furthermore, Waymo’s recent permit to fully operate in San Francisco positions it to gain an edge over competitors. This development coincides with rival Cruise recently losing its permit due to a hit-and-run collision with a pedestrian, underscoring the importance of safety and reliability in the emerging field of autonomous transportation.
The integration of Waymo’s robotaxis into the Uber app not only signifies a major milestone in autonomous transport but also sets the stage for a new era in ride-sharing, where passengers can choose the future of mobility with just a few taps on their smartphones.
