Uber users in Austin can now choose between Waymo self-driving taxis and human drivers. The two companies officially launched WaymoonUber's self-driving taxi service in Austin on Tuesday, part of a partnership that has been deepening in recent months. The service launches just days before SXSW, the annual technology, music, film and comedy conference, kicks off in Austin.
Starting today, Uber users may be matched with a Waymo self-driving taxi when they request a ride. According to Uber, users can still choose human-driven vehicles instead of self-driving taxis. The price for both options will be the same.
If Uber users want to increase their chances of being matched with Waymo, they can make that choice through the "Ride Preferences" section under "Settings" in the Uber app.
Uber and Waymo did not say how many self-driving taxis will be in the Austin fleet. The two companies share a WaymoAV fleet that will grow to hundreds of vehicles in Austin and Atlanta over the next few years.
Waymo and Uber were once bitter rivals, but have become more harmonious in recent years. Waymo's self-driving cars will be available on the Uber app in Phoenix starting in October 2023. Last year, the two companies expanded their partnership with plans to launch a more exclusive "WaymoonUber" self-driving taxi service in Austin and Atlanta in 2025. (Not yet available in Atlanta).
The structure of the "WaymoonUber" service anticipates both companies' roles in the emerging autonomous vehicle industry.
Under the arrangement, Waymo will be responsible for vehicle testing, roadside assistance and certain aspects of passenger support. Uber will manage fleet services such as vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging and depot operations through a company called MooveCars, which is being renamed Avomo.
Over the past few years, Uber has solidified its position in the emerging self-driving taxi market through partnerships with companies such as Waymo.
Uber has established partnerships with 14 self-driving car companies covering ride-hailing, delivery and trucking, and a handful of them have begun commercial operations. In December, Uber launched self-driving taxis in Abu Dhabi in partnership with WeRide. The company also has commercial agreements with sidewalk delivery robot companies Avride, Cartken and ServeRobotics.