Uber customers in Phoenix, Arizona, are now able to request a fully-autonomous ride through a partnership with Waymo.
UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort or Uber Comfort Electric rides come with the option to confirm a ride in a Waymo autonomous vehicle if one is available.
“Our partnership with Uber gives their riders the chance to experience the Waymo Driver,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo.
It is currently a turbulent time for autonomous vehicles, with Cruise having its driverless testing permit licence suspended by California Department of Motor Vehicles following safety concerns.
But Mawakana says: "We want as many people as possible to experience the safety, consistency and delight of riding with the Waymo Driver."
Waymo says riders will still be able to hail the Waymo Driver directly through the Waymo One app, which is available in Metro Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It will "soon" be an option in Austin, Texas as well, the firm says.
Waymo Driver currently provides more than 10,000 rides each week in Metro Phoenix region, and Waymo says the Arizona city and its surrounds constitute "the largest AV ride-hailing territory in the world".
