Driverless Uber rides have been launched in Austin, Texas, with riders having the option to accept a Waymo autonomous vehicle on the app. The collaboration with Waymo’s technology and Uber’s platform provides users with a fully autonomous all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicle.
Riders who request an UberX, Uber Green, Comfort, or Comfort Electric could be matched with a Waymo vehicle instead of a normal ride with a driver, at no additional cost. They will have the option to accept or switch to a non-AV ride, but Uber users can also boost their chances of getting a Waymo by adjusting their rider preferences.
A 24/7 customer support will be available in both the app and the vehicle for those who need assistance.
Currently, this new option is available across a 96 sq km area in Austin, with plans to expand in the future.
The service will next be launched in Atlanta, Georgia, with trials under way and Uber employees already using the service in the city.
