Waymo is rolling out its self-driving cars in Atlanta, offering a select group of Uber users early access to robotaxi rides. This move sets the stage for a broader public launch later this summer.
Customers who signed up for the waitlist earlier this year will be the first to test out the autonomous service. Notifications will be sent through the Uber app and via email. Those who take a ride will be encouraged to share their feedback—and will receive $10 in Uber credits as a thank-you after their first Waymo ride.
Atlanta Becomes Second City for ‘Waymo on Uber’ Service
This marks Atlanta as the second city to feature the “Waymo on Uber” partnership, following the spring launch in Austin, Texas. The service connects Uber users with Waymo’s self-driving Jaguar I-PACE vehicles directly through the Uber app.
Waymo and Uber initially announced the joint robotaxi plan back in September 2023, targeting Atlanta and Austin for early 2025. However, this early access indicates faster-than-expected progress in their partnership.
For now, the service in Atlanta will cover a 65-square-mile area. It includes key neighborhoods like downtown, Buckhead, and Capitol View. Like in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, Waymo plans to expand the coverage area gradually as operations scale up.
Division of Labor: Uber Hosts, Waymo Drives
Under the partnership, Uber takes care of the physical fleet, handling charging, cleaning, and routine maintenance. Uber also manages the user interface through its app. Waymo, on the other hand, is in charge of the autonomous driving tech and monitoring real-time operations, including customer assistance during rides.
This model allows both companies to leverage their strengths: Uber’s massive ride-hailing infrastructure and Waymo’s cutting-edge self-driving systems. It’s a glimpse into how tech and transport companies may work together as autonomous vehicles become more mainstream.
With this early access in place, Atlanta residents will soon get a firsthand experience of what the future of transportation might feel: driverless, app-powered, and increasingly accessible.
