Starting today, Austin residents have the opportunity to experience autonomous vehicle rides through a new collaboration between Waymo and Uber. This partnership allows users of the Uber app in Austin to be matched with a Waymo autonomous vehicle for their transportation needs.
Riders can now opt-in for a ride in a fully autonomous all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicle by selecting options such as UberX, Uber Green, Comfort, or Comfort Electric on the app. Importantly, there is no additional cost associated with choosing a Waymo vehicle over traditional options. Before dispatching a nearby Waymo car, riders will have the choice to either accept this option or switch back to a non-autonomous ride.
The integration ensures that customers can continue using the familiar Uber app interface while experiencing this new form of travel. Once matched with a Waymo vehicle, riders can unlock the car, access the trunk, and initiate their journey directly from their phones. Furthermore, 24/7 customer support is available both through the app and within the vehicle itself.
Safety remains paramount for both companies involved. "Safety is at the heart of what we do," states Uber in its announcement. All autonomous vehicles on their network must comply with stringent Safety Guidelines. Waymo vehicles boast tens of millions of miles driven under real-world conditions and are equipped with advanced sensor technology designed to navigate complex environments safely.
Austin users keen on trying out these rides can enhance their chances by adjusting settings within their Ride Preferences section in the app's Settings menu. Initially covering an area of 37 square miles—including neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Downtown—the service has plans for future expansion.
Looking ahead, Atlanta is slated as the next city where public access to Waymo rides via Uber will become available after initial testing with employees.
Uber emphasizes its vision for integrating autonomous vehicles alongside human drivers to make transportation more accessible and sustainable: "At Uber, we’re reimagining how the world moves."