Waymo and Uber are ending their exclusivity arrangement in Atlanta and Austin, with Waymo planning to launch its standalone app in both cities in January 2028. An Uber spokesperson confirmed on Friday that Waymo notified the company of this decision, which will allow the robotaxi service to operate independently alongside its existing Uber deployment. The change follows three years of exclusive partnership in these two markets, during which Waymo robotaxis were available only through the Uber app. The Financial Times reported that Waymo held internal discussions about splitting from Uber due to tensions between the companies, including conflicting policy proposals in different U.S. markets. The development reflects Waymo's broader expansion strategy, as the company now operates in nine other markets without exclusive Uber agreements.
Waymo Launches Standalone App in Atlanta and Austin
Waymo intends to launch the Waymo app in Austin and Atlanta in January 2028, according to notification provided to Uber. The launch will occur alongside the existing deployment with Uber, ending the exclusivity arrangement that has been in place for the past three years in these two markets.
Hundreds of Waymo robotaxis will remain available on Uber through at least May 2028, the duration of their existing contract, Uber said. The changes allow Uber to put other, non-Waymo autonomous vehicles onto its platform in both cities.
A Waymo spokesperson said users need "choice in how they experience this technology." The spokesperson wrote that "this is essential to the industry's future and to our vision of making the Waymo app and the safety of our technology available to riders everywhere."
Waymo Expands Beyond Uber Partnership
Waymo robotaxis are now live in nine other markets beyond Atlanta and Austin, according to the company's website. More cities are engaged in various stages of testing. The development reflects how Waymo has been able to attract riders in a number of U.S. cities without exclusive Uber deals.
Last year, Waymo struck a deal with Lyft to offer robotaxi rides in Nashville, Tennessee, on a non-exclusive basis.
Uber Invests in Alternative Autonomous Vehicle Partners
Independent of Waymo, Uber has been investing in AV technology and has committed to buying vehicles from some of its partners. These partners include startups Waabi, Wayve and Nuro, as well as electric vehicle maker Rivian, after their self-driving cars are validated as safe to operate without a human supervisor or driver on board.
Tesla, Amazon's Zoox and other AV developers are also offering standalone apps that allow riders to hail robotaxis.
Uber Shares Drop 4% on Partnership News
Uber shares dropped more than 4% on the news of the exclusivity arrangement ending. The Financial Times reported on Friday that Waymo held internal discussions about whether it should split from Uber due to tensions between the two companies, including around conflicting policy proposals the companies are pursuing in different U.S. markets.
FAQ
What did Waymo announce about its partnership with Uber?
Waymo notified Uber that it intends to launch the Waymo app in Austin and Atlanta in January 2028, ending the exclusivity arrangement that made Waymo robotaxis available only through the Uber app in these two cities for the past three years.
How long will Waymo robotaxis remain available on the Uber platform?
Hundreds of Waymo robotaxis will remain available on Uber through at least May 2028, the duration of their existing contract, according to Uber.
