Waymo will end its exclusive arrangement with Uber in Austin and Atlanta in January 2028, co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana told Bloomberg News. Waymo plans to make rides available directly through its own smartphone app, as it does in other cities.
Uber confirmed to TechCrunch that it intends to keep offering Waymo robotaxis through its app for as long as the companies agree. Uber also told Bloomberg that Waymo had decided against adding an option for customers to book a robotaxi directly within Uber’s app.
Mawakana said Waymo originally partnered with Uber to benefit from the ride-hailing company’s reach. But she described the rider experience as unpredictable because customers cannot know whether a requested vehicle will be autonomous or driven by a person. Waymo has heard feedback from riders in Austin and Atlanta, she said, adding that the company wants a direct relationship with them.
The exclusivity was previously reported to be part of a deal due to expire in May 2028. Waymo’s change will allow it to compete directly with Uber in the two markets, where Uber also works with other autonomous-vehicle partners.
Sources: TechCrunch.