Uber and Avride Launch Robotaxi Service in Dallas

Launch of Robotaxi Service in Dallas

Uber and Avride autonomous taxi services announced the launch of a commercial robotaxi service in Dallas, Texas, one year after establishing their strategic partnership. In its initial phase, this service will operate with a human safety driver behind the wheel and within a limited operating area. However, the companies affirmed their plans to expand towards full autonomous driving without the need for human intervention in the near future, in addition to gradually expanding the service area.

Uber's Expansion in Autonomous Driving Partnerships

This launch culminates a year filled with strategic partnerships for Uber with many AI technology companies specializing in autonomous vehicles. Among these partnerships are collaborations with Waymo, China's WeRide, and the San Francisco-based startup Nuro. To date, Uber has established more than 20 partnerships in the freight, delivery, and robotaxi sectors, with several already operating commercially. Currently, Uber provides autonomous vehicle services through its ride-hailing service app in cities like Abu Dhabi and Riyadh in cooperation with WeRide, and in Atlanta, Austin, and Phoenix in partnership with Waymo.

Uber's Expansion Plans for Future Cities

As part of its expansion strategy, Uber announced its ambitious plan to operate autonomous vehicles within its network in at least 10 cities by the end of 2026. Over the next two years, the company intends to launch autonomous driving services through its app in key locations including Arlington, Texas, Dubai, London, Los Angeles, Munich, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Partnership and Investment Details with Avride

Many of these partnerships have included significant investments from Uber, most notably with Avride autonomous taxi services, a startup specializing in autonomous driving technology and based in Austin, Texas. Avride was founded in 2020 as a spin-off of the self-driving car group from Yandex and Uber, and is now part of the Nebius Group. In October 2024, Uber signed a multi-year deal with Avride to integrate delivery robots and autonomous vehicles into its services such as Uber Eats and ride-hailing. Within months, Avride robots began delivering food via the Uber Eats app in Austin, Dallas, and Jersey City. Additionally, in the fall of 2024, Avride received strategic investments and commercial commitments totaling $375 million from Uber and Nebius. It is worth noting that Nebius, headquartered in Amsterdam, was formerly known as Yandex N.V., the Dutch company that sold all its assets and businesses associated with Russia in 2024 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Source Source

Dallas Fleet and Service Details

While Uber's use of Avride's autonomous taxi services robots in the food delivery sector was notable, the launch of the robotaxi service represents a larger strategic step with widespread impact for both companies. The robotaxi fleet in Dallas includes all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 cars, equipped with Avride's advanced autonomous driving system. These vehicles will initially cover a defined area of 9 square miles in Dallas, including the downtown area. Uber confirmed its ambitious plans to expand this area in the coming months, and a company spokesperson stated that the current fleet, which is still limited, will be increased to include hundreds of Avride robotaxis throughout Dallas over the next few years.

How the Robotaxi Service Works in Dallas

The robotaxi service in Dallas aims to operate similarly to Uber's successful partnership with Waymo in Austin and Atlanta. In the initial phase, Avride autonomous taxi services will be responsible for managing its own fleet. Later, Uber will oversee the daily operations of the fleet, which include cleaning, maintenance, inspection, charging, and warehouse management. It is worth noting that Uber will provide full support to passengers from the start of the service, while Avride will continue to supervise the testing and development of autonomous vehicles.

Passenger Experience with Robotaxis

Passengers requesting UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric rides may be matched with a robotaxi from Avride autonomous taxi services. Although this match is not always guaranteed, users can increase their chances of experiencing a robotaxi by adjusting certain settings in the Uber app. Uber has confirmed that the cost of robotaxi rides will be similar to the cost of rides driven by a human driver. Upon notification of a match with an Avride robotaxi, the user is given the option to accept the ride or switch to a ride driven by a human driver. Once the robotaxi arrives, passengers can use the Uber app to unlock the car, access the trunk, and easily start their journey.