Uber Launches Self-Driving Taxis in Dallas, Expanding Robotaxi Fleet

UPDATE: Uber has just announced the launch of self-driving taxis in Dallas, marking a significant expansion in its robotaxi service. Effective immediately, users in the Dallas area can now hail self-driving vehicles through the Uber app, as the race to dominate the autonomous ride-hailing market intensifies.

The fleet consists of Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicles, equipped with technology from startup Avride. For the time being, these vehicles will have human safety drivers present, ensuring passenger security during rides. Fully autonomous operations are anticipated to commence “sometime in the future,” according to company officials.

Dallas joins Austin and Atlanta as the third U.S. city where Uber has integrated autonomous ride-hailing options, following its partnership with Waymo. Customers requesting rides may find themselves matched with a robotaxi, but they will retain the option to switch to a human-operated vehicle if preferred.

The announcement comes amidst a rapid rollout of robotaxis across the United States. Just this week, Waymo—owned by Google—also disclosed plans to introduce driverless services in Dallas, Miami, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando, expanding its reach that already includes major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Uber’s strategy has shifted significantly in recent years, moving from attempts to develop its own autonomous vehicles to forming partnerships with established companies like Waymo. This collaborative approach allows Uber to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of self-driving technology, even as it faces fierce competition from startups in various markets.

Moreover, this initiative is not limited to the U.S. Recently, Uber partnered with Chinese firms Pony.AI and WeRide, launching fully driverless WeRide robotaxis in Abu Dhabi last week.

As the landscape of urban transportation continues to change, the implications for riders are substantial. The introduction of self-driving taxis could lead to safer, more efficient rides, but also raises questions about job security for traditional drivers.

Stay tuned for further updates as Uber and other companies push the boundaries of transportation technology. As robotaxis become more prevalent, the future of urban mobility is transforming rapidly, and residents in Dallas can now experience this shift firsthand.