Waymo plans to end its exclusive robotaxi deal with Uber

Waymo plans to end its exclusive robotaxi partnership with Uber. Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana says the move is a response to riders, who asked for a more consistent way to order a self-driving car. For riders, it could mean booking a Waymo somewhere other than the Uber app.

What changed

Waymo runs self-driving taxis, often called robotaxis. It is owned by Alphabet, the parent company of Google. Until now, its partnership with Uber has been exclusive. The plan would end that exclusivity, so Waymo rides may not stay tied to the Uber app.

Why Waymo says it is doing this

Mawakana said customers wanted more consistency when ordering. The headline on the Bloomberg Technology story quotes her calling the Uber app arrangement a "crapshoot" for riders. The material does not explain what that meant in detail, such as how often a rider would or would not get a Waymo.

Who it affects

Anyone who uses or plans to use robotaxis is touched by this, especially people who now look for Waymo cars inside Uber. Uber itself is also affected, since it loses its exclusive status.

What is not known yet

• When the exclusive deal will actually end
• Which app or apps will offer Waymo rides next
• Whether Waymo rides will stay in the Uber app at all
• Whether prices or service areas will change

Until Waymo or Uber share more, riders should not assume their current booking habits will stay the same. Checking the apps each company names in its announcements is the safest way to find where to book.