Waymo, Uber launching driverless rideshare services in Austin next year

Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austinites will soon be able to hitch a ride on a fully driverless ride-hailing vehicle, as autonomous vehicle company Waymo is expanding its collaboration with Uber.

Waymo announced Friday it will dispatch a fleet of its fully autonomous, electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles to be used in Uber's Austin and Atlanta rideshare services in early 2025. From there, Waymo officials said they plan on growing the fleet "to hundreds of vehicles over time."

Through the partnership, Uber will oversee fleet management services such as vehicle cleanings and repairs, while Waymo will continue its oversight on the testing and operational ends of the technology.

Waymo added its Waymo One services operate in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles, with Waymo One offering more than 100,000 trips each week in those locations.

“Waymo’s mission is to be the world’s most trusted driver, and we’re excited to launch this
expanded network and operations partnership with Uber in Austin and Atlanta to bring the
benefits of fully autonomous driving to more riders,” Waymo's Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said in the announcement. “We’ve been delighted at the positive feedback from our Waymo One riders to date, and we can’t wait to bring the comfort, convenience, and safety of the Waymo Driver to these cities in partnership with Uber."

Here in Austin, Waymo is currently offering driverless rides to its employees, with a finite number of riders to be welcomed into the Waymo One app over the next several weeks before pivoting to the Uber app in 2025.

"Waymo and Uber will work together to methodically scale the safe, reliable, and convenient
service Waymo One riders expect," the release added. "We’re looking forward to working with Uber to bring the benefits of Waymo’s fully autonomous driving to more people in more places."