In an announcement that marks a major step forward in the evolution of ridesharing, Uber and Waymo have revealed plans to introduce self-driving taxis in Austin and Atlanta. Under this partnership, users in these cities will soon be able to hail autonomous taxis via the Uber app, featuring Waymo’s cutting-edge self-driving technology and the sleek design of Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicles.
Although the two companies signed a strategic cooperation agreement over a year ago, the full scope of their collaboration is only now coming to light. The rollout of autonomous taxis in Austin and Atlanta, slated to begin early next year, signals a significant advancement in autonomous vehicle (AV) services in the U.S.

Uber’s Shift Toward Collaboration
Uber’s decision to abandon its internal efforts to develop self-driving technology in 2020 was a pivotal moment. Facing challenges in the complex world of autonomous driving, Uber chose to pivot from in-house innovation to strategic partnerships with major players in the AV industry. By selling its Advanced Technologies Group to Aurora Innovation and focusing on collaboration with external partners like Waymo, General Motors’ Cruise, and Wayve Technologies, Uber is strategically positioning itself as a platform for autonomous services, rather than a developer.
This partnership with Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, allows Uber to leverage Waymo’s cutting-edge technology, particularly in the Jaguar I-Pace vehicles outfitted with advanced sensor arrays and AI-driven software. As these self-driving electric vehicles become more commonplace on city streets, Uber is showing its commitment to being at the forefront of the autonomous taxi market.
A Seamless Experience for Riders
For Uber users in Austin and Atlanta, the experience of hailing a self-driving taxi will be familiar and seamless. The Uber app will function as it always has—users will select their destination, confirm their ride, and await their vehicle. However, instead of a human driver, the car that arrives will be a Jaguar I-Pace equipped with Waymo’s autonomous driving system.
The key to making this work is not just advanced technology but also smooth logistics and collaboration between Uber and Waymo. While Uber will handle the maintenance, cleaning, and day-to-day management of the fleet, Waymo will be responsible for the vehicles’ software and any immediate troubleshooting that arises during rides. In the case of roadside assistance or customer support, Waymo will step in to resolve issues, while Uber ensures that the vehicles are operating at peak condition.
Building on Success
Waymo’s self-driving taxis are already operational in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, where the company has logged over 100,000 toll rides per week. With a combination of test rides and fully operational taxi services, Waymo has proven that its technology is robust, reliable, and ready for more widespread deployment. Expanding into Austin and Atlanta is a logical next step, given these cities’ growing economies and relatively tech-friendly regulatory environments.
Uber is betting that self-driving taxis can coexist with traditional human-driven vehicles, particularly during high-demand periods. As rush hours hit, Uber envisions a future where autonomous taxis and human drivers work in tandem, complementing each other’s strengths and maximizing efficiency. This hybrid model could not only alleviate congestion in densely populated areas but also ensure that Uber can meet peak demand without sacrificing service quality.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While the expansion of self-driving taxis represents a significant milestone for Uber and Waymo, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Regulatory frameworks surrounding autonomous vehicles are still evolving, and both companies will need to navigate local laws and potential pushback from traditional taxi drivers and labor advocates. Additionally, public acceptance of autonomous vehicles remains a hurdle. Trust in the technology will be essential for widespread adoption, and both Uber and Waymo are committed to demonstrating the safety and reliability of their systems.
In terms of competition, Uber and Waymo aren’t alone in the race to dominate the self-driving taxi market. General Motors’ Cruise, Tesla, and other tech companies are all vying for a slice of the pie. Each company is betting that autonomous vehicles will revolutionize urban transportation, offering safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly rides.
For Uber, partnering with Waymo is just one piece of a larger strategy to diversify its business. Uber is also exploring partnerships with other AV players, including Chinese automaker BYD and British-based Wayve Technologies. By spreading its bets across multiple partners, Uber is positioning itself as a flexible and adaptable player in the fast-evolving world of autonomous transportation.
A New Chapter for Urban Mobility
The collaboration between Uber and Waymo is more than just a technical partnership—it’s a vision of the future of urban mobility. As more cities are expected to follow Austin and Atlanta, Uber’s shift toward self-driving taxis signals a potential transformation in how people move around urban areas. For passengers, the idea of summoning an autonomous vehicle may soon be as commonplace as ordering an Uber today.
With autonomous technology advancing rapidly and cities increasingly focused on reducing emissions and traffic congestion, the introduction of self-driving taxis could be a critical step in making urban transportation more efficient, safer, and eco-friendly. For Uber, Waymo, and the entire autonomous vehicle industry, this partnership could be a game changer—paving the way for a world where driverless cars are an integral part of everyday life.
Source: Bloomberg