Waymo eyes exit from Uber partnership in Austin and Atlanta
Original: Waymo reportedly mulling a breakup with Uber
Why This Matters
Waymo's push for full independence signals a broader shift toward direct-to-consumer robotaxi competition with ride-hailing incumbents.
Waymo is reportedly seeking to end its deal with Uber that made its robotaxis available on Uber's network in Austin and Atlanta. Waymo told Uber it plans to launch its own app in those markets starting January 2028; the current contract expires May 2028.
According to the Financial Times, Waymo — owned by Alphabet — is looking for a way out of its partnership with Uber, which currently offers Waymo robotaxis through Uber's ride-hailing app in Austin and Atlanta. Waymo has informed Uber of its intention to operate independently in both cities via its own app beginning January 2028. Uber confirmed to TechCrunch that the contract covering Austin and Atlanta runs through May 2028. The two companies had already parted ways in Phoenix earlier in 2026. The reported split follows months of escalating tensions: Uber CTO Praveen Neppalli publicly called Waymo robotaxi behavior 'scary' in a video post, and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi criticized robotaxi conduct in school zones and emergency situations during a May earnings call — without naming Waymo directly. The companies have also clashed in policy disputes over robotaxi regulations. Waymo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.