Waymo Plans Independent Robotaxi Launch in Austin and Atlanta

Waymo is exploring options to exit its robotaxi partnership with Uber Technologies, signaling a shift toward operational independence. The company notified Uber of plans to launch its own service app in Austin and Atlanta at the beginning of 2028. While Waymo will continue to maintain its fleet on the Uber platform until the current contract expires in May 2028, it intends to run its own service concurrently during that period.

Waymo has already launched its own application in six cities outside of San Francisco and Los Angeles. This expansion challenges Uber's strategy to serve as the primary aggregator for driverless rides. In response to the news, Morningstar analysts reduced their fair value estimate for Uber from $85 to $76 per share.