Lyft and Waymo Collaborate on Autonomous Ride-Hailing in Nashville

Lyft has partnered with Waymo to introduce fully autonomous ride-hailing in Nashville by 2026. Initially, customers will use the Waymo app to hail these vehicles, with integration into Lyft’s platform planned for later in 2026. Lyft’s Flexdrive unit will oversee fleet operations for Waymo’s autonomous vehicles in Nashville. This partnership enhances Lyft’s autonomous vehicle strategy, offering a global platform for scaling autonomous vehicles.

Lyft Inc. (NASDAQ: LYFT) and Waymo have announced a strategic partnership to launch Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Nashville in 2026. This collaboration is set to enhance Lyft’s autonomous vehicle strategy and expand its technological capabilities.

Under the agreement, Lyft’s Flexdrive subsidiary will provide comprehensive fleet management services for Waymo’s autonomous vehicles in Nashville. This includes maintenance, infrastructure, and depot operations. Lyft’s strong financial health, with a GREAT financial health score from InvestingPro, positions it well for this infrastructure investment Lyft and Waymo to bring autonomous ride-hailing to Nashville in 2026^[1].

The service will initially be available through the Waymo app, with plans to expand availability on Lyft’s network later in 2026. The companies will implement a dynamic marketplace integration allowing vehicles to be matched with rides on both platforms to maximize fleet utilization.

"Waymo has proven that its autonomous technology works at scale," said Lyft CEO David Risher. "When combined with Lyft’s customer-obsession and world-class fleet management capabilities, it’s two great tastes that go great together." Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana added, "Lyft’s extensive fleet management capabilities through Flexdrive make them an ideal partner for expanding to Nashville."

Lyft will build a dedicated autonomous vehicle fleet management facility with charging and service capabilities. Flexdrive currently manages approximately 15,000 vehicles across North America.

Waymo’s autonomous vehicles will operate alongside Lyft’s traditional driver network in Nashville, supporting what Lyft describes as a "human-centered, hybrid future" for ride-hailing. Lyft’s stock is trading near its 52-week high, and analysts project continued net income growth, positioning the company well for this technological transition.

This partnership comes as Lyft has also announced a partnership with Waymo to introduce autonomous ride-hailing services in Nashville by 2026. Additionally, Lyft has launched its first U.S. autonomous vehicle service in Atlanta through a partnership with May Mobility, positioning itself in direct competition with Waymo, which already operates driverless rides in the city via Uber.

Meanwhile, Waymo’s recent approval to begin autonomous vehicle operations at San Francisco International Airport has caused concern for Lyft and Uber, given the potential impact on their airport business revenues. Cantor Fitzgerald has maintained its Neutral rating on Lyft, citing the company’s recent stock performance despite legislative developments in California. Bernstein also reiterated its Market Perform rating on Lyft, viewing recent California bills as favorable for rideshare companies.