A disagreement regarding the regulation of robotaxis has emerged as a key factor in the deteriorating relationship between Waymo and Uber. Both companies are preparing to introduce rival autonomous taxi services in London.
The core of the dispute centres on whether new regulations should support hybrid ride-hailing networks, which combine robotaxis and human drivers, or permit autonomous vehicle companies to operate their own services. Uber advocates for hybrid networks, stating they offer more passenger choice and practicality. Waymo, however, believes operators should have the freedom to choose how they bring autonomous taxi services to market.
This disagreement has cast doubt on their existing partnership, which currently sees Waymo's driverless taxi service available through the Uber app in Austin and Atlanta. Uber has confirmed that Waymo intends to launch its own app in these US cities from January 2028, ending Uber's exclusivity. Waymo vehicles will remain accessible on Uber until at least May 2028, when their current agreement concludes.
The dispute also involves proposed legislation in Washington DC, where Uber has argued a draft bill could hinder hybrid robotaxi operations. However, the committee chair, Charles Allen, stated that the bill's intent is not to ban or restrict such networks and that lawmakers are open to amending the wording to remove ambiguity.
As these developments unfold, both companies are advancing plans to introduce driverless taxis in the UK. Waymo is testing autonomous vehicles in London and aims to launch a commercial service once the new UK automated vehicle regime is implemented. Uber is collaborating with British self-driving technology company Wayve, which is also trialling autonomous vehicles in the capital, in preparation for its own driverless ride-hailing service.