Revolutionizing Ride-Hailing: Waymo Robotaxis Coming to Uber in Phoenix!

In a groundbreaking move, Waymo and Uber have announced a multi-year partnership that will introduce Waymo's autonomous driving technology to Uber's ride-hailing platform in Phoenix. This collaboration signifies a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous mobility services, merging Waymo's cutting-edge technology with Uber's expansive customer network.

Scheduled for a public launch later in 2023, the integration will initially feature a set number of Waymo vehicles operating within Phoenix's 180-square-mile territory. The services offered will encompass both local deliveries and ride-hailing trips, offering Phoenix residents an additional avenue to experience the benefits of full autonomy. Moreover, riders in Phoenix can continue to access Waymo's robotaxis directly through the Waymo One app.

Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We're excited to offer another way for people to experience the enjoyable and life-saving benefits of full autonomy. Uber has long been a leader in human-operated ridesharing, and the pairing of our pioneering technology and all-electric fleet with their customer network provides Waymo with an opportunity to reach even more people."

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of fully autonomous driving in everyday life. "Uber provides access to a global and reliable marketplace across mobility, delivery, and freight," Khosrowshahi said. "We're excited to bring Waymo's incredible technology to the Uber platform."

Waymo's recent expansions in both Phoenix and San Francisco underscore the company's commitment to advancing autonomous mobility. In Phoenix, Waymo has expanded its service area to include downtown, East Valley territories, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa. Similarly, in San Francisco, Waymo has granted Trusted Testers access to Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach, with plans for further expansion.

Looking ahead, Waymo intends to continue expanding its service offerings in both San Francisco and Phoenix, as well as exploring new cities. Notably, the company initiated ride-hail service testing in Los Angeles in October 2022, followed by the commencement of driverless testing earlier this year.

Originating as Google's self-driving car project in 2009, Waymo has amassed a fleet of over 700 vehicles, comprising Jaguar I-PACE EVs, Chrysler Pacific Hybrid minivans, and Class 8 trucks. This formidable fleet underscores Waymo's commitment to advancing autonomous technology across various domains.

While both Waymo and Uber have encountered challenges in their autonomous vehicle endeavors, including legal disputes and operational setbacks, the partnership marks a significant step forward in scaling the availability and usage of autonomous vehicles. As the companies join forces to revolutionize ride-hailing, the future of autonomous mobility appears brighter than ever before.