Waymo, Uber officially roll out driverless rides in Austin
Share and Follow

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Beep beep — Uber rideshare users can now book a driverless ride around Austin, as the ridehailing company officially launches its partnership with Waymo.

Waymo and Uber announced in September the planned collaboration between the two companies, with rollouts poised in both Austin and Atlanta in 2025. Beginning Tuesday, Uber users can match with one of Waymo’s Jaguar I-PACE vehicles while booking an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort or Uber Comfort Electric vehicle.

Demonstration on how Austin riders can signify their preferences on being paired with Waymo vehicles on the Uber app (Courtesy Uber)

“Starting today, Austin riders can be matched with a Waymo autonomous vehicle on the Uber app, making their next trip even more special,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in the announcement. “With Waymo’s technology and Uber’s proven platform, we’re excited to introduce our customers to a future of transportation that is increasingly electric and autonomous.”

With this launch, Waymo vehicles utilized with Uber will be able to travel across 37 square miles in Austin, including the Hyde Park, downtown and Montopolis neighborhoods. Future expansions within the Texas capital are poised, the announcement noted.

Austin riders can accept or decline being paired with Waymo vehicles on the Uber app (Courtesy Uber)

As part of the booking process, app users will receive an alert if they’ve been linked up with a Waymo vehicle. From there, they can either accept the ride or switch to a non-autonomous vehicle.

Those who accept a pairing with a Waymo vehicle will be able to unlock the car, open the trunk and begin their trip from within Uber’s app. No tipping prompts will appear when linked with an autonomous vehicle, Uber officials confirmed.

Looking toward Atlanta, Uber officials confirmed employees are already riding in fully autonomous trips out in Georgia amid preparations for a public launch.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Kennedy niece vows to attack Trump's name with a PICKAX

Kennedy Niece Launches Bold Campaign to Challenge Trump’s Legacy with Pickaxe Protest

John F. Kennedy’s niece has vowed to personally remove Donald Trump’s name…
Woman’s controversial train act sparks debate over chivalry

Woman’s Unexpected Train Behavior Ignites Chivalry Debate

Attention, ladies—chivalry might just be a thing of the past. One TikTok…
Andrew's sickening Royal snub: Snap taken in Royals' inner sanctum

Andrew’s Controversial Absence: Surprising Photo Emerges from Royal Inner Circle

A recent photograph featuring Andrew Mountbatten Windsor reclining across the laps of…
Alabama comes from 17 points down to seal wild win over Oklahoma

Alabama Stages Epic 17-Point Comeback for Thrilling Victory Against Oklahoma

For nearly three quarters, the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Oklahoma Sooners…
Exclusive | How Trump's divided loyalties sapped Stefanik's campaign

Trump’s Divided Loyalties Undermine Stefanik’s Campaign: An In-Depth Analysis

New York Republicans were taken aback when Rep. Elise Stefanik seemingly concluded…
Raines High celebrates first state title since 2018 with parade filled with pride and community unity

Raines High School Triumphantly Celebrates First State Title Since 2018 with Prideful Parade and Community Unity

Raines High School has rekindled its championship spirit, claiming its first state…
Cheater Texas AG breaks cover with his married mistress

Scandal Unveiled: Texas AG’s Secret Affair with Married Mistress Exposed

Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas, who is married, has recently…
Several elephants killed in train crash after impact causes multiple coaches to derail

Tragic Train Collision Claims Lives of Elephants, Causes Major Derailment

In a tragic incident early Saturday, a high-speed passenger train in northeastern…