AUTONOMOUS RIDESHARE: Waymo and Uber announce partnership to bring driverless to the masses

Image credit: Waymo

Waymo and Uber have announced a new, multi-year strategic partnership to make the Waymo Driver available to more people via the Uber platform starting in Phoenix.

Since both companies were founded in 2009, Waymo and Uber have in their own ways each disrupted how people accesses mobility. Now, they are partnering to bring together Waymo’s autonomous driving technology with the massive scale of Uber’s ridesharing and delivery networks.

This integration will launch publicly later this year with a set number of Waymo vehicles across Waymo’s newly expanded operating territory in Phoenix, and will include local deliveries and ride-hailing trips. Uber users will be able to experience Waymo Driver on both the Uber and Uber Eats apps. Riders will also still be able to book a Waymo vehicle directly through the Waymo One app.

At over 180 square miles, Waymo’s Phoenix operations are currently the largest fully autonomous service area in the world.

Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, said: “We’re excited to offer another way for people to experience the enjoyable and life-saving benefits of full autonomy.

“Uber has long been a leader in human-operated ridesharing, and the pairing of our pioneering technology and all-electric fleet with their customer network provides Waymo with an opportunity to reach even more people.”

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, said: “Uber provides access to a global and reliable marketplace across mobility, delivery, and freight.

“Fully autonomous driving is quickly becoming part of everyday life, and we’re excited to bring Waymo's incredible technology to the Uber platform.”