Uber users in Austin are getting matched with Waymo robotaxis

Uber users in Austin now have a choice between a Waymo robotaxi and a human driver. The two companies officially launched Tuesday the “Waymo on Uber” robotaxi service in Austin as part of a partnership that has deepened in recent months. The launch comes just days before SXSW, the annual tech, music, film, and comedy conference, kicks off in Austin. Starting today, Uber users who hail a ride may be matched with a Waymo robotaxi. Users will still be able to opt for the human-driven vehicle, and not the robotaxi, according to Uber. And both options will be priced the same. Uber customers who want to boost their chances of getting matched with a Waymo can opt in via the “ride preferences” section of their Uber app under “settings.” Uber and Waymo didn’t reveal how many robotaxis would be in the Austin fleet. The companies did share the fleet of Waymo AVs, will grow to hundreds of vehicles across both Austin and Atlanta over the next few years. Waymo and Uber, once bitter rivals, have ... Read full article.