Waymo reportedly plans independent Austin robotaxi service

Waymo is reportedly exploring options to end its partnership with Uber in Austin and Atlanta, according to a Seeking Alpha article published Tuesday. The report suggests Waymo is trying to own the customer through vertical integration. Uber management has stated on recent earnings calls that the company aims to emerge as the preferred commercialization platform for autonomous vehicle developers. The article notes that robotaxi availability has expanded from one city at the beginning of the decade to more than 20 cities today. Waymo appears likely to maintain its position as a leading robotaxi developer, the report said. The bigger risk for Uber is Waymo proving that Uber's role will be limited to a secondary marketplace solutions provider rather than a key player in robotaxi growth. Dilantha De Silva, the article's author, holds a beneficial long position in Uber shares.