Waymo Ends Uber Exclusivity in 2 Cities by January 2028 as Uber Shares Drop 4%
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 24
Waymo Ends Uber Exclusivity in 2 Cities by January 2028 as Uber Shares Drop 4%
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jul 24
Summary
January 2028 is when Waymo plans to launch its own app in Austin and Atlanta, ending the cities' current exclusivity with Uber while keeping its robotaxis on Uber alongside the new service.
Hundreds of Waymo vehicles will still remain on Uber through at least May 2028 under the existing contract, and the change lets Uber add other autonomous-vehicle partners in both markets.
Waymo said riders need more choice and framed the move as part of making its app and safety technology available everywhere, after already operating in nine other markets without exclusive Uber deals.
Financial Times reported Waymo had discussed splitting from Uber amid tensions and conflicting policy proposals in U.S. markets; Uber shares fell more than 4% after the news.
The shift underscores a broader robotaxi race in which Waymo also has a non-exclusive Lyft deal in Nashville, while Tesla, Zoox and other AV developers run standalone ride-hailing apps.