Waymo Could Move Austin and Atlanta Robotaxi Rides to Its Own App in 2028
Waymo is reportedly weighing a major shift in its robotaxi strategy that could change how riders book autonomous trips in Austin and Atlanta. The company is considering ending its current ride-hailing arrangement with Uber and bringing service in both cities under the Waymo App once the existing agreement is expected to expire in May 2028.
If Waymo moves forward with the plan, Uber would no longer have an exclusive role in connecting passengers to Waymo’s self-driving vehicles in those markets. Instead, riders in Austin and Atlanta would likely book fully autonomous rides directly through Waymo’s own platform, giving the company more control over the customer experience, pricing, service availability, and long-term brand identity.
The potential change highlights Waymo’s growing confidence in its robotaxi operations. By shifting more ride-hailing activity into its own app, Waymo could build a more direct relationship with passengers while collecting valuable feedback and usage data from everyday trips. That approach may also help the company expand its autonomous ride-hailing service more efficiently as demand for driverless transportation continues to rise.
Austin and Atlanta are important markets for the future of robotaxis. Both cities offer large urban populations, busy transportation networks, and strong demand for app-based mobility services. Launching or expanding direct Waymo App service in these areas could strengthen Waymo’s position as competition in autonomous vehicles becomes more intense.
For Uber, the possible end of exclusivity would mark a notable change in its role within these robotaxi markets. The partnership has allowed Uber users to access Waymo autonomous rides through a familiar ride-hailing platform. However, if Waymo decides to operate directly through its own app, Uber’s involvement in Austin and Atlanta could become limited or disappear after the contract period ends.
Nothing is expected to change immediately. The current agreement is believed to run until May 2028, giving both companies time to evaluate their next steps. Waymo may still choose to continue working with Uber in some form, but the possibility of moving service fully into the Waymo App signals that the company is preparing for a more independent future in the robotaxi industry.
As autonomous ride-hailing grows, control over the booking platform could become just as important as the self-driving technology itself. For Waymo, owning the full ride experience may be the next step toward turning robotaxis into a mainstream transportation option in major U.S. cities.
