Waymo and Uber have announced a new, multi-year strategic partnership to make the Waymo Driver available to more people via the Uber platform, starting in Phoenix, Arizona. Since both companies were founded in 2009, Waymo and Uber have revolutionized access to mobility. Now, the two companies are partnering to bring together Waymo’s advanced autonomous driving technology with the impressive scale of Uber’s ridesharing and delivery networks.
This integration will launch publicly later this year with a set number of Waymo vehicles across Waymo’s newly expanded operating territory in Phoenix, and will include local deliveries and ride-hailing trips. Uber users will be able to experience the Waymo Driver on the Uber and Uber Eats apps. Riders will also still be able to hail a Waymo vehicle directly through the Waymo One app. At over 460km2, Waymo’s Phoenix operations are currently the largest fully autonomous service area in the world, according to the company.
“We’re excited to offer another way for people to experience the enjoyable and life-saving benefits of full autonomy,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo. “Uber has long been a leader in human-operated ridesharing, and the pairing of our pioneering technology and all-electric fleet with their customer network provides Waymo with an opportunity to reach even more people.”
“Uber provides access to a global and reliable marketplace across mobility, delivery and freight,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. “Fully autonomous driving is quickly becoming part of everyday life, and we’re excited to bring Waymo’s incredible technology to the Uber platform.”