Waymo’s planned app option would let Austin and Atlanta riders request its robotaxis without booking through Uber, starting in January 2028, and give them a direct channel in both cities.
Uber is currently the only app through which riders in those cities can book Waymo vehicles. Waymo’s plan calls for its own booking option to begin in January 2028. Uber plans to continue listing Waymo rides while the companies’ agreement remains in effect.
Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said riders booking through Uber might receive either a Waymo robotaxi or a human-driven car, calling the uncertainty “a little bit of a crapshoot.” She said Waymo values a direct relationship with riders and has heard feedback from customers in Austin and Atlanta.
Mawakana said Waymo initially turned to Uber because its platform could connect the service with a broad rider base. The planned Austin and Atlanta option would extend a booking model Waymo already uses elsewhere.
