Uber and Waymo to End Exclusivity Arrangement in Atlanta and Austin

Uber and Alphabet's Waymo will end their exclusivity arrangement in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, in early 2028. Waymo has notified Uber that it intends to launch its own standalone app in those cities in January 2028, alongside its existing deployment with Uber. The change reflects Waymo's growing traction in the robotaxi market, as its driverless cars are now live in nine other US markets. Waymo also struck a non-exclusive deal with Lyft in Nashville last year. Uber shares dropped more than 4% on the news. Uber said hundreds of Waymo robotaxis will remain available on its platform through at least May 2028, the duration of their existing contract. The changes allow Uber to put other, non-Waymo autonomous vehicles onto its platform in both cities. Waymo cited the need for user choice in experiencing the technology. The Financial Times reported internal discussions at Waymo about splitting from Uber due to tensions over conflicting policy proposals.