Uber has launched driverless rides in Austin, Texas, marking a significant step in autonomous vehicle technology. Starting Tuesday, users in Austin can book rides with Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle division, through the Uber app. The service spans 37 square miles in Austin, Tesla’s backyard, and represents a major expansion in the driverless market. Andrew Macdonald, Uber’s senior vice president of mobility and business operations, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the supportive local government and consumer willingness as key factors. Riders can request UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric and may be matched with a fully autonomous, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicle at no extra cost. Uber users can adjust preferences to increase their chances of getting a Waymo, and those who prefer a human driver can opt out. Safety remains a priority, with 24/7 human support available via the Uber app. This launch follows a similar pilot in Phoenix, Arizona, last year and precedes plans to expand to Atlanta later this year. The move comes as Tesla seeks approval for ride-hailing services in California. Uber and Waymo, once embroiled in a lawsuit over self-driving technology, are now partners, with plans to expand to other cities. Macdonald believes this will grow the rideshare market and reduce individual car ownership. — news from CNN
