Waymo confirms it will split with Uber in January 2028

If you use Uber to hail Waymo rides in Austin or Atlanta, you will need to use the Waymo app for those rides starting in 2028.

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, will end its partnership with Uber in Austin and Atlanta in January 2028. This decision means Waymo will transition to offering rides directly to consumers through its own smartphone application in these markets, aligning with its operational model in other cities. The split was initially reported by the Financial Times and confirmed by Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana. Mawakana cited the importance of a direct relationship with riders and dissatisfaction with the mixed experience of sometimes hailing a robotaxi and sometimes a human-driven car through Uber's platform. Waymo initially partnered with Uber for its scale, but the experience has been inconsistent for riders. Uber stated that Waymo initiated the decision not to integrate direct robotaxi booking into the Uber app.

Waymo's decision to sever ties with Uber in key markets like Austin and Atlanta signals a broader industry trend toward vertical integration and direct consumer relationships for autonomous vehicle operators. The company's co-CEO highlighted rider feedback and the desire for a consistent, branded experience as primary drivers, indicating that scale alone is no longer sufficient justification for such partnerships if they dilute the customer journey. This move suggests Waymo is prioritizing control over its user interface and data, essential for refining its service and building brand loyalty outside of a crowded ride-hailing ecosystem.

For Uber, this departure represents a loss of a significant autonomous vehicle partner in crucial markets and may prompt a reevaluation of its AV strategy. While Uber maintains it has numerous AV partners, the absence of Waymo's service directly from its app could affect its ability to offer a fully autonomous ride option. This shift also intensifies competition for the end-user, forcing consumers in affected cities to manage multiple mobility apps and potentially fragmenting the market further for autonomous ride-hailing services.