Waymo Reportedly Plans to End Uber Robotaxi Partnership

Waymo is reportedly considering ending its robotaxi partnership with Uber, according to the Financial Times, as the Alphabet-owned autonomous driving company looks to expand its services through its own platform.

Uber confirmed Friday that Waymo has informed the company it intends to begin offering robotaxi rides through the Waymo app in Austin and Atlanta starting in January 2028. The service will operate alongside Uber until the companies’ agreement for those markets expires in May 2028.

The companies have already separated their robotaxi operations in Phoenix earlier this year. Waymo did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report.

Growing tensions between the companies

The reported split follows months of increasing friction between the two companies. Earlier this year, Uber Chief Technology Officer Praveen Neppalli shared a video on social media criticising what he described as unsafe and “scary” behaviour by a Waymo robotaxi.

During Uber’s May earnings call, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi also raised concerns about the behaviour of robotaxis in school zones and around emergencies, although he did not specifically name Waymo.

Regulatory disagreements continue

Waymo and Uber have also found themselves on opposite sides of several recent policy debates over robotaxi regulations, adding to signs that the relationship between the two autonomous vehicle companies has become increasingly strained.