Uber Users in Atlanta Ditch Human Drivers for Waymo Robotaxis

Uber users in Atlanta are reportedly opting for Waymo autonomous taxis over human drivers. Riders are engaging in a "game of trial and error" to find Robotaxis, with some users turning down over 20 rides with human drivers. Uber plans to expand its Atlanta Robotaxi fleet, and the company has signed a deal with Lucid Group to deploy 20,000 Robotaxis in the US over the next six years.

Uber users in Atlanta are increasingly opting for Waymo autonomous taxis over human-driven vehicles, according to recent reports. The shift is part of Uber's broader strategy to integrate self-driving technology into its ride-hailing services. Users are engaging in a "game of trial and error" to secure rides in Waymo's autonomous vehicles, with some turning down over 20 human-driven rides to get matched with a robotaxi.

Nate Galesic, an Atlanta resident, has taken about 35 rides in Waymo vehicles since they became available through Uber in late June. He has developed a process of declining rides with human drivers until the app matches him with a Waymo car. Similarly, Andrew Nerney has taken five trips in Waymo vehicles, emphasizing that these rides are typically short, cost-effective, and stick to city streets [1].

Uber plans to expand its Atlanta Robotaxi fleet, with the company estimating that the city will have a fleet of self-driving cars that will grow to "hundreds over the next few years." The company is also working to optimize user preferences for Waymo rides, advising users to avoid trips involving freeway driving, high-demand times, and areas outside the 65-square-mile service area [1].

In a separate development, Uber has signed a deal with Lucid Group to deploy 20,000 Robotaxis in the US over the next six years. The partnership involves Lucid Gravity SUVs outfitted with Nuro Driver technology, with the first vehicle set to launch later in 2026 in an unidentified major US city. Uber is also making separate multi-hundred-million dollar investments in both Lucid and Nuro [2].

While some riders are enthusiastic about the technology behind self-driving cars, others remain cautious due to safety concerns. A survey conducted by Arthur D. Little found that US respondents were divided on their willingness to use self-driving vehicles, with city dwellers more likely to embrace the technology [1].

Uber's strategy of partnering with specialized autonomous vehicle tech developers and carmakers underscores its shift away from developing technology in-house. The company aims to be the go-to commercial app for robotaxis, competing with other players like Tesla and Lyft [2].

References:
[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/uber-users-cancelling-human-driven-rides-get-waymo-taxi-atlanta-2025-8
[2] https://thebusinessdownload.com/uber-plans-fleet-of-20000-robotaxis-in-deal-with-lucid-nuro/