Waymo and Uber end Phoenix robotaxi partnership
Original: Waymo and Uber quietly part ways in Phoenix
Why This Matters
Reflects shifting dynamics in autonomous vehicle commercialization and changing competitive relationships between major ride-hail and robotaxi operators.
Waymo robotaxis are no longer available on Uber's app in Phoenix, Arizona, ending a nearly three-year partnership that began in 2023. Both companies confirmed the split on June 29, 2026, with Waymo integrating the pilot vehicles into its own Phoenix fleet while Uber prepares a separate autonomous vehicle partnership.
Waymo and Uber have ended their robotaxi partnership in Phoenix, Arizona, with the service discontinuing in May 2026 after nearly three years of collaboration. Waymo confirmed to TechCrunch that the vehicles previously deployed through Uber have been integrated into its own Phoenix fleet, now available exclusively through the Waymo app. Uber stated the partnership ended at its contracted conclusion date and indicated it is preparing to launch a separate autonomous vehicle partnership in the city, though the partner remains unnamed. The separation marks a shift in the competitive landscape, as Waymo continues expanding its fleet with new Zeekr-made Ojai vans while positioning itself for direct competition against Uber in markets like London. Waymo reported that the Phoenix pilot generated hundreds of thousands of trips and praised it as a productive foundation for global expansion. Uber similarly characterized the collaboration as valuable for its learnings, citing the successful scaling of its autonomous operations in Austin and Atlanta, where hundreds of Waymo vehicles operate exclusively on Uber. Waymo's vehicles remain available on Uber in Austin and Atlanta. The partnership began in 2023, a notable reconciliation between the companies following their contentious legal battle that concluded with a 2018 settlement.