A groundbreaking innovation has taken center stage in the ride-sharing industry as Uber partners with Waymo to introduce fully autonomous rides in Phoenix. Starting today, customers who request a ride on the Uber app may have the opportunity to experience an autonomous journey with the Waymo Driver, completely eliminating the need for a human driver behind the wheel.
This partnership marks a significant leap in the evolution of autonomous vehicle technology, offering riders a glimpse into the future of transportation. Here’s how you can catch a ride with an autonomous vehicle (AV) in Phoenix:
How to ride with an AV: Customers in Metro Phoenix requesting an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric ride may find themselves matched with a Waymo vehicle if their route falls within Waymo’s newly expanded operating territory. This expanded territory now includes Sky Harbor International Airport’s 24th St and 44th St SkyTrain locations, making it even more convenient for travelers.
Update your Ride Preferences: For those eager to experience autonomous driving, you can increase your chances of being matched with an AV by opting in via the Ride Preferences section of your Uber app under Settings.
Safety is a top priority: Uber places safety at the forefront of this groundbreaking partnership. Before deploying and operating on the Uber network, Waymo’s approaches to safety are thoroughly reviewed to ensure compliance with Uber’s Safety Guidelines.
Convenience built in: The process of riding in a Waymo AV is designed to be seamless. When a nearby Waymo vehicle is dispatched to a customer, they will have the option to accept the ride or choose another. Upon arrival of the Waymo vehicle, riders can unlock it and start their journey, all through the familiar Uber app. Should riders need assistance at any point during the ride, 24/7 customer support is readily accessible both in the Uber app and within the Waymo vehicle.
Make a sustainable choice: Uber is dedicated to achieving a zero-emissions mobility platform by 2040. Through partnerships with companies like Waymo, which offers all-electric vehicles such as the Jaguar I-PACE, Uber aims to reduce gas consumption, lower emissions per passenger, and make eco-friendly transportation options more accessible.
This milestone represents a significant step forward in Uber’s mission to bring reliable autonomous driving technology to its platform. While the introduction of AVs is a monumental leap, Uber anticipates a coexistence of human drivers and AVs on its platform for the foreseeable future as they continue to scale their hybrid, global network.
Uber and Waymo’s collaboration brings the future of transportation to the present, making autonomous rides a reality for residents and visitors in Phoenix. The launch is set to redefine the way we travel, providing safer, more sustainable, and innovative transportation options.
