Uber (NYSE:UBER) has introduced autonomous vehicle rides in Austin, Texas, in collaboration with Waymo, enabling users to book self-driving rides through the Uber app. The service utilizes Waymo’s fully autonomous Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, offering an alternative to traditional ridesharing. Users who select UberX, Uber Green, Comfort, or Comfort Electric may be matched with an autonomous car. If assigned one, they can opt to accept the ride or request a human-driven vehicle instead. This initiative comes as major ride-hailing companies explore self-driving technology to optimize operations and reduce reliance on human drivers.
Uber has previously experimented with autonomous rides in other locations. In Phoenix, the company launched a similar service with Waymo in 2023, covering a designated area. The expansion into Austin marks a broader push to integrate autonomous vehicles into its platform. While Uber sold its self-driving division, Advanced Technologies Group (ATG), to Aurora in 2020, it has since partnered with multiple autonomous vehicle developers, signaling a renewed interest in driverless transportation.
How Will the Service Work?
Users in Austin who opt into this service can request rides as usual via the Uber app. If matched with a Waymo vehicle, they will be notified in advance and can either accept or decline the ride. Upon accepting, riders can unlock the vehicle, open the trunk, and start the trip through the Uber app. Customer service is available at any time during the ride, both in-app and from inside the vehicle.
Where Will the Service Expand Next?
Uber and Waymo plan to introduce the autonomous rides in Atlanta next. The testing phase has already begun with Uber employees taking fully autonomous trips in the city. The companies aim to make the service available to the public once operational conditions have been assessed. The service area in Austin currently spans 37 square miles but is set to expand over time.
Waymo has been actively testing its self-driving technology in multiple cities. In 2025, the company plans to trial its autonomous vehicles in 10 new locations, with a safety driver onboard, to study varying traffic patterns, road structures, and weather conditions. Waymo’s vehicles have already accumulated millions of miles of driving experience in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
Uber, along with its competitor Lyft, had previously stepped back from self-driving technology but has recently renewed its focus on autonomous transportation. Both companies are exploring partnerships rather than developing in-house autonomous solutions, leveraging existing technology from specialized firms like Waymo.
The expansion of autonomous ridesharing services raises questions about adoption rates and public perception. While self-driving technology has seen significant advancements, safety concerns and regulatory requirements remain a challenge. These services offer potential benefits such as increased availability and cost reductions, but real-world performance and consumer confidence will determine their long-term success.
