Atlanta Uber users ditch human drivers for Waymo self-driving cars
Atlanta’s bustling streets are witnessing a new frontier in urban mobility, as a growing number of Uber users are reportedly opting out of rides with human drivers in a determined effort to secure a trip in one of Waymo’s cutting-edge self-driving cars. This intriguing trend, emerging just weeks after the official launch of Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service in the city, underscores a burgeoning public appetite for the driverless experience and marks a significant moment in the evolution of shared transportation.
The partnership between Uber and Waymo officially brought fully autonomous, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles to Atlanta on June 24, 2025. Integrated seamlessly into the existing Uber platform, these robotaxis are available for requests through UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber Comfort Electric, notably at no additional cost to the rider. Users are given the option to accept or decline a Waymo match, and for those eager to try the technology, a specific “Ride Preferences” setting within the Uber app allows them to increase their chances of being paired with an autonomous vehicle.
This immediate user preference for Waymo suggests more than mere novelty; it points to a perceived advantage in the autonomous offering. Reports from Austin, where a similar Uber-Waymo partnership launched earlier, indicated overwhelmingly positive rider reception, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Drivers themselves have acknowledged the superior driving performance of Waymo vehicles, with some observing that “the cars drive so much better than humans”. Riders frequently cite the consistency, perceived safety, and the ability to enjoy a private, uninterrupted journey as key motivators for choosing a robotaxi over a traditional ride. Waymo consistently highlights its rigorous safety framework, reporting tens of millions of fully autonomous miles driven and data suggesting a significant reduction in injury-causing crashes compared to human drivers.
At launch, Waymo’s service in Atlanta spans a 65-square-mile zone encompassing key areas like Downtown, Buckhead, and Capitol View, with plans for future expansion. While the initial fleet started with “dozens” of vehicles, the aim is to scale to “hundreds” over time, mirroring the growth seen in Austin where the fleet now numbers 100 vehicles. Uber handles essential fleet management services such as cleaning and repairs, while Waymo remains responsible for the core autonomous driving technology and roadside assistance. Riders maintain control through the Uber app, using it to unlock the vehicle, open the trunk, and initiate their trip, with 24/7 customer support available both in-app and via Waymo’s in-car screens.
The phenomenon of riders actively seeking out Waymo vehicles by canceling human-driven rides highlights a pivotal shift in consumer behavior. As autonomous vehicle technology matures and expands its footprint in major metropolitan areas, the competitive landscape of ride-hailing is poised for further disruption, challenging traditional models and accelerating the integration of AI-powered mobility into daily life.