Waymo to end Uber exclusivity in Austin and Atlanta, launch own app in January 2028
emmanuelvivier · x · 2026-11-05
Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana confirmed to Bloomberg that starting January 2028, the robotaxi company will end its exclusivity with Uber in Austin and Atlanta, offering rides directly through its own app as it does in other cities.
Key details:
- The Financial Times previously reported Waymo wanted out of the Uber deal, which was set to expire in May 2028.
- Mawakana said Waymo originally partnered with Uber for scale, but the rider experience has been "a little bit of a crapshoot" since users can't be sure whether a robotaxi or a human-driven car will arrive.
- Uber confirmed to TechCrunch it still plans to host Waymo robotaxis on its app for as long as both companies agree.
The move marks Waymo tightening control of its customer channel in the robotaxi market.
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