Uber's Self-Driving Cars Outperform 99% of Human Drivers in Daily Rides

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated that Waymo's robotaxis complete more daily rides than 99% of Uber drivers in Atlanta and Austin. The company is investing in Waymo and other self-driving car technology to prove its financial viability to investors. Khosrowshahi believes that self-driving cars will improve traffic safety and expects Uber to remain competitive in the market for the next decade.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi recently revealed that Waymo's autonomous vehicles (AVs) are completing more daily rides than 99% of human drivers in both Atlanta and Austin. This revelation underscores the impressive performance of Waymo's robotaxis and highlights the potential financial viability of self-driving car technology [2].

The partnership between Uber and Waymo, which has been operational in Atlanta and Austin since 2023, has demonstrated exceptional utilization rates for Waymo's AVs. According to Khosrowshahi, the average Waymo vehicle in these cities is busier than most human drivers, suggesting a significant advantage in terms of efficiency and productivity [2].

The success of Waymo's AVs in these markets has significant implications for Uber and the broader self-driving car industry. By proving that AVs can generate substantial revenue, Uber is positioning itself to secure financing for further expansion of its self-driving car services. The company is also exploring other partnerships and investments in self-driving car technology, such as its $300 million investment in electric vehicle-maker Lucid and its collaboration with software startup Nuro [2].

However, the future of Uber's partnership with Waymo remains uncertain. Waymo recently announced plans to launch its own robotaxi service in Dallas, partnering with Avis Budget Group rather than Uber. This move indicates that Waymo is keeping its options open and testing different go-to-market strategies across various markets [3].

The decision to launch in Dallas through its own app, Waymo One, suggests that Waymo is prioritizing direct customer relationships and avoiding potential brand dilution. The partnership with Avis brings operational advantages, including a global network of rental cars and established charging infrastructure, which could address one of the biggest challenges holding back the scaling of robotaxis [3].

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Uber's future partnership with Waymo, the success of Waymo's AVs in Atlanta and Austin provides a strong foundation for the broader adoption of self-driving car technology. As the AV market matures, other companies may follow Waymo's lead, leveraging their existing fleet operations and geographic footprint to compete in the infrastructure layer of autonomous mobility [3].

In conclusion, Waymo's impressive performance in Atlanta and Austin has demonstrated the financial viability of self-driving car technology. As the industry continues to evolve, companies like Waymo and Uber will play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility.

References:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/waymo/comments/1mj3tdn/uber_ceo_on_increased_demand_in_austin_from_waymo/
[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/uber-earnings-ceo-average-waymo-completes-more-trips-most-human-drivers-2025-8
[3] https://avmarketstrategist.substack.com/p/waymo-ditches-uber-for-dallas-launch