Uber Launches Robotaxi service in Dallas with Avride
DALLAS, TX – December 11, 2024 – Uber has begun offering robotaxi rides in Dallas, texas, marking a significant expansion of its autonomous vehicle program. The service, powered by self-driving technology from Avride, initially operates within a 9-square-mile area encompassing downtown Dallas, with plans for future expansion. This launch represents a key step in Uber’s broader strategy to integrate autonomous vehicles into its ride-hailing network.
The partnership with avride, announced in October 2024, builds upon a multi-year deal to deploy sidewalk delivery robots and autonomous vehicles for both Uber Eats and Uber. Avride’s sidewalk robots have already been delivering food via the Uber Eats app in Austin, Dallas, and Jersey City for several months.
The Dallas fleet consists of all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles equipped with Avride’s self-driving system. While currently limited in size, Uber intends to scale the fleet to hundreds of Avride robotaxis across Dallas in the coming years.
Initially, Avride will manage the fleet, focusing on vehicle testing. Uber will gradually assume day-to-day fleet operations, including cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging, and depot management. Uber will provide end-to-end rider support from the outset.
Uber riders requesting UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric rides might potentially be matched with an Avride robotaxi, tho the match isn’t guaranteed. Riders can increase their chances of being assigned a robotaxi by adjusting a setting within the Uber app. Rides in the autonomous vehicles will be priced the same as those driven by human drivers.
Users will receive a notification if matched with an Avride robotaxi and have the option to accept or switch to a human-driven ride. Once the robotaxi arrives, riders can use the Uber app to unlock the vehicle, open the trunk, and begin their trip.
This Dallas launch mirrors Uber’s existing autonomous vehicle partnerships with Waymo in Austin and Atlanta. In those cities,Uber and Waymo have established a similar model of shared operations and rider choice.
Avride recently secured $375 million in strategic investments and commercial commitments from Uber and Nebius (formerly Yandex NV),the Netherlands-based company that sold off its Russian business earlier in 2024.