AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Beep beep -- Uber rideshare users can now book a driverless ride around Austin, as the ridehailing company officially launches its partnership with Waymo.
Waymo and Uber announced in September the planned collaboration between the two companies, with rollouts poised in both Austin and Atlanta in 2025. Beginning Tuesday, Uber users can match with one of Waymo's Jaguar I-PACE vehicles while booking an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort or Uber Comfort Electric vehicle.
Demonstration on how Austin riders can signify their preferences on being paired with Waymo vehicles on the Uber app (Courtesy Uber)
“Starting today, Austin riders can be matched with a Waymo autonomous vehicle on the Uber app, making their next trip even more special,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in the announcement. “With Waymo’s technology and Uber’s proven platform, we’re excited to introduce our customers to a future of transportation that is increasingly electric and autonomous.”
With this launch, Waymo vehicles utilized with Uber will be able to travel across 37 square miles in Austin, including the Hyde Park, downtown and Montopolis neighborhoods. Future expansions within the Texas capital are poised, the announcement noted.
Austin riders can accept or decline being paired with Waymo vehicles on the Uber app (Courtesy Uber)
As part of the booking process, app users will receive an alert if they've been linked up with a Waymo vehicle. From there, they can either accept the ride or switch to a non-autonomous vehicle.
Those who accept a pairing with a Waymo vehicle will be able to unlock the car, open the trunk and begin their trip from within Uber's app. No tipping prompts will appear when linked with an autonomous vehicle, Uber officials confirmed.
Looking toward Atlanta, Uber officials confirmed employees are already riding in fully autonomous trips out in Georgia amid preparations for a public launch.
Source:
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