Waymo explores ending Uber partnership, Financial Times reports

Waymo is exploring options to exit its robotaxi partnership with Uber and plans to operate independently in Austin and Atlanta starting in January 2028, the Financial Times reported. Uber currently provides Waymo autonomous rides in those two markets and recently wound down the service in Phoenix. An Uber spokesperson said Waymo has given notice that it plans to launch service through its own app in those cities in January 2028 alongside their existing deployment with Uber. The current fleet of Waymo vehicles will remain on Uber's platform through at least May 2028, the duration of the current contract, Uber said. Shares of Uber fell as much as 4.9% to $65.56 in New York. Alphabet's stock was up less than 1%. A representative for Waymo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.