Uber Waymo End Phoenix Robotaxi Partnership
Uber and Alphabet’s Waymo have ended their robotaxi partnership in Phoenix, Arizona, nearly three years after launching the pilot program. The move comes as Uber prepares to introduce a new autonomous vehicle partner in the city. However, both companies will continue working together in other markets, including Austin and Atlanta. Reuters reported the development on Monday.
The partnership began in 2023, allowing Uber users in Phoenix to book Waymo’s self-driving vehicles through the Uber app. Meanwhile, Waymo also continued offering rides through its own Waymo One platform. Consequently, Phoenix became the first city where both companies tested their joint robotaxi service.
Waymo Refocuses on Its Own Fleet
Waymo confirmed that the vehicles assigned to the Uber pilot have already returned to its Phoenix fleet. Therefore, riders can continue accessing the company’s autonomous taxi service through the Waymo app.
A Waymo spokesperson said the company’s robotaxis will remain available on Uber in Austin and Atlanta. As a result, the broader collaboration between the two companies continues despite the Phoenix exit.
An Uber spokesperson said, “Phoenix was our first pilot market with Waymo and was an intentionally limited deployment, reaching just over a dozen vehicles dedicated to the program.”
Uber Prepares New Autonomous Partnership
Uber announced that it is preparing to launch a separate autonomous vehicle partnership in Phoenix. However, the company did not identify the new technology partner.
The decision reflects Uber’s broader strategy of working with multiple autonomous driving companies instead of developing its own robotaxi technology. Furthermore, Uber has expanded partnerships with several autonomous vehicle developers as competition in the sector continues to intensify.
Robotaxi Competition Continues to Grow
The end of the Phoenix partnership comes shortly after Waymo recalled nearly 3,900 robotaxis in the United States. The recall addressed a software issue that could allow some vehicles to enter closed freeway construction zones. Nevertheless, Waymo continues operating commercial autonomous ride-hailing services across multiple U.S. cities.
As autonomous transportation expands, companies continue adjusting their partnership strategies to strengthen their market positions. Therefore, Uber’s upcoming Phoenix alliance and Waymo’s independent expansion will remain closely watched as the robotaxi industry enters its next phase of growth.
