Waymo to Go Solo in Austin and Atlanta Robotaxi Service in 2028

WHO:

TechCrunch - Waymo and Uber are parties to the robotaxi partnership; Uber has other autonomous-vehicle partners on its network.

Techmeme (Bloomberg) - Tekedra Mawakana is Waymo’s co-chief executive officer.

NY Post - Tekedra Mawakana discussed ending Waymo’s exclusive robotaxi partnership with Uber.

WHAT:

TechCrunch - Waymo confirmed it will split with Uber in January 2028, setting up direct competition in the affected markets.

Techmeme (Bloomberg) - Waymo plans to end its exclusive robotaxi partnership with Uber in Austin and Atlanta and switch to its own app.

NY Post - Mawakana said the plan is to end the exclusive partnership in Atlanta and Austin; the headline quotes her describing the arrangement as “It was a crapshoot.”

WHERE:

Techmeme (Bloomberg) - The partnership is in Austin and Atlanta.

NY Post - The partnership is in Atlanta and Austin.

WHEN:

TechCrunch - The split is planned for January 2028.

Techmeme (Bloomberg) - Waymo plans to end the partnership in January 2028.

WHY:

Techmeme (Bloomberg) - Waymo plans to use its own app to improve consistency for users.

NY Post - Mawakana said the plan followed customer feedback requesting more consistency when ordering self-driving rides.

HOW:

Techmeme (Bloomberg) - Waymo plans to move users to its own app after ending the exclusive partnership.

TechCrunch - The split will put Waymo in direct competition with Uber in those markets; Uber has other autonomous-vehicle partners on its network.

(UPDATED November 4, 2026 20:11 UTC)

Waymo plans to end its exclusive Uber robotaxi partnership in Austin and Atlanta. The split is planned for January 2028, bringing direct competition between the companies. Waymo will shift riders to its own app, aiming for a more consistent experience.