Waymo is preparing to expand its independent robotaxi operations, with plans to launch services through its own app in Austin and Atlanta from January 2028, signalling a shift in its partnership with ride-hailing company Uber.
According to reports, the Alphabet-owned autonomous driving company has informed Uber that it intends to offer rides directly to customers in both cities while continuing to operate alongside the existing service until their agreement expires.
Uber confirmed on Friday that its partnership with Waymo covering Austin and Atlanta is scheduled to end in May 2028.
The development comes after the two companies already separated their services in Phoenix earlier this year.
Waymo has yet to publicly comment on the reported plans.
The latest move follows months of growing friction between the two technology firms over the performance and regulation of autonomous vehicles.
Earlier this year, Uber Chief Technology Officer Praveen Neppalli criticised the behaviour of one of Waymo’s self-driving vehicles after sharing footage online.
The executive described the robotaxi’s actions as “unsafe” and “scary.”
In May, Uber Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi also questioned the performance of autonomous vehicles during the company’s earnings call, pointing to concerns around school zones and emergency situations without mentioning Waymo by name.
At the same time, Waymo and Uber have found themselves on opposing sides of several policy debates concerning regulations governing robotaxi operations in the United States.
The planned rollout of Waymo’s standalone app in Austin and Atlanta marks another step in the company’s strategy to build a direct relationship with passengers while continuing to expand its autonomous ride-hailing services.
