Waymo and Uber split in Phoenix as robotaxi rivalry heats up

Waymo and Uber have officially ended their robotaxi partnership in Phoenix, Arizona. The breakup was finalized in May 2026, with public confirmation landing on June 29.

The partnership, which launched in 2023, involved just over a dozen Waymo autonomous vehicles integrated into Uber’s ride-hailing platform.

What happened in Phoenix

Following the split, Waymo has pulled those vehicles back into its own fleet. They’re now accessible through the Waymo app and being used for DoorDash deliveries and Via Transportation partnerships.

Uber is expected to announce a new autonomous vehicle partner for Phoenix, signaling that its strategy was never about Waymo specifically.

Still partners, sort of

The Phoenix split doesn’t mean a complete divorce. Waymo vehicles remain available through Uber’s app in both Atlanta and Austin, where their integration continues for now.

Both companies are also eyeing London as a future battleground.

The regulatory angle

Beyond fleet logistics, Uber has been actively lobbying against proposed regulations in Washington, D.C. that it perceives as favoring Waymo.

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