Uber and Alphabet’s Waymo end their robotaxi partnership in Phoenix, according to multiple outlets. Uber confirms that it has wound down the availability of Waymo rides in Phoenix on the Uber app, marking the conclusion of a collaboration that lasted nearly three years. TechCrunch reports the companies quietly part ways, and The Next Web adds that Waymo vehicles are no longer accessible through Uber’s app in the city.
Quartz says the nearly three-year pilot wrapped up after hundreds of thousands of trips and that Uber plans to announce a new autonomous vehicle partner in Phoenix. Bloomberg similarly reports Uber will announce a new partner, framing the change as the latest development in a relationship where the companies act as both partners and competitors.
CNBC notes that the Waymo cars deployed for the Uber pilot continue to operate in Phoenix and remain in use, including for autonomous deliveries with DoorDash. Engadget suggests Uber may increasingly focus on its own robotaxi approach rather than external partnerships.
Across coverage, sources agree the Phoenix collaboration has ended and Uber is preparing a new arrangement for autonomous service in the city.
