Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company under Alphabet, is expanding its operations to include Atlanta and Austin in early 2024. Currently, Waymo’s driverless cars operate in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix.
The upcoming services in Georgia and Texas will differ from those in California and Arizona. In a significant development, Waymo has partnered with Uber, requiring riders in Atlanta and Austin to utilize the Uber app to request a robocar. Unlike the services in Phoenix, where riders can access Waymo through either the Uber or Waymo One app, users in Austin and Atlanta won’t have a guaranteed Waymo match and can opt out of receiving one, ensuring flexibility in their ride-sharing experience.
Waymo announced that Uber will manage and dispatch a fleet of fully autonomous, all-electric vehicles, specifically Jaguar I-PACE models. Initially, these services will align with Uber offerings such as UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, and Uber Comfort Electric for qualifying trips.
In these new markets, Uber will handle Waymo’s depots and vehicle maintenance, while Waymo retains control over testing and operational functions. This includes rider support services, highlighted by a “Support” button for passengers in the vehicle.
Waymo’s expansion reflects a growing trend in the autonomous vehicle industry, with partnerships becoming increasingly common. Notably, General Motors’ Cruise is also preparing to launch services via the Uber app. As Waymo aims to improve its performance, the partnership comes in the backdrop of significant financial challenges, as it is reportedly a loss leader for Alphabet, potentially costing the company billions.
Despite challenges in the sector, Waymo boasts a relatively impressive safety record, conducting approximately 100,000 rides weekly across its operational cities. The expansion into Atlanta and Austin marks a pivotal step forward in transforming the landscape of autonomous transportation.
