Waymo Seeks Exit from Uber Robotaxi Deal Amid Rising Tensions
Quick Look
Waymo aims to exit its deal with Uber, offering robotaxis on its own app in Austin and Atlanta from January 2028, amid contract end in May 2028 and escalating tensions over safety concerns.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Waymo and Uber have been partners in offering robotaxis in select markets.
Waymo is reportedly looking for a way out of its deal with Uber, which has made the Alphabet-owned company’s robotaxis available on the ride-hailing giant’s network in Austin and Atlanta, according to the Financial Times. Waymo already told Uber that it intends to offer robotaxis on its own app in those markets starting in January 2028 and alongside the existing offering, the ride-hail giant told TechCrunch on Friday. Uber said the contract with Waymo that covers Austin and Atlanta ends in May 2028. The two companies already split in Phoenix earlier this year, as TechCrunch first reported. Waymo didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. This all follows months of rising tensions between Waymo and Uber. Earlier this year, Uber CTO Praveen Neppalli posted a video of what he thought was unsafe and “scary” behavior of a Waymo robotaxi. In May, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi lightly criticized the behavior of Waymo’s robotaxis in school zones and emergency situations during an earnings call, though without naming the company.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Waymo will fully transition to its own app by mid-2028
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Terms of the contract and potential penalties for early exit
