Uber and Waymo have launched autonomous rides in Austin, Texas, marking a significant step in the self-driving industry. Starting Tuesday, riders in Austin can travel in Waymo’s fully autonomous, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, covering a 37-mile area. The service is planned to expand to Atlanta soon, with employees already taking fully autonomous trips there as part of preparations for a public rollout.
In 2022, Uber and Waymo formed a partnership to offer autonomous rides. While Uber previously sold its autonomous vehicle division in 2020 and shifted its strategy, it now collaborates with multiple partners, including Waymo, to integrate autonomous technology into its platform.
Riders opting for UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric may be matched with an autonomous vehicle at no extra cost, though they can choose a non-autonomous ride instead. The vehicles will be managed by Avomo, with Waymo overseeing testing, roadside assistance, and certain support functions.
Riders can access 24/7 human support and will pay the same rates as regular rides. This marks a major milestone in autonomous mobility, with Uber and Waymo continuing to develop the technology for broader use.
- Riders must opt into the service through the Uber app.
- When requesting UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric, they may be matched with a fully autonomous Jaguar I-PACE at no extra cost.
- Riders can accept the autonomous ride or switch to a non-autonomous option.
- To increase chances of getting matched with an autonomous vehicle, riders can opt in through the Ride Preferences section of the app.
- Once the car arrives, riders can unlock the vehicle, open the trunk, and start the ride via the app.
- The ride will be charged at the same rates as other Uber options, with upfront pricing.
- Riders can rate their experience, but tipping is not required.
