Uber, UBER, users in Atlanta are canceling rides with human drivers until they match with one of Waymo's self-driving cars

Uber riders are increasingly skipping human drivers in favor of Waymo’s autonomous taxis, often rejecting multiple ride offers until they finally match with a Robotaxi. Some users describe it as a “game,” with one passenger noting he declined more than 20 rides before securing an autonomous trip. Riders say the journeys are typically inexpensive, short-distance, and limited to surface streets rather than highways.

At present, Uber has deployed dozens of Waymo vehicles in Atlanta and plans to expand the fleet further. Company representatives note that the chances of securing a Robotaxi are higher if riders avoid peak hours or freeway routes. The strategy reflects Uber’s ongoing effort to integrate self-driving technology into its platform, as demand grows for cheaper, more efficient alternatives to traditional ridesharing.

The push comes alongside Uber’s broader investments in electric and autonomous vehicles. In Colorado, the company recently rolled out an EV incentive program offering drivers up to $21,500 to switch to electric cars while operating on Uber’s platform. The incentives highlight Uber’s attempt to reduce emissions while cutting operating costs for drivers, complementing its long-term autonomy strategy.

In addition, Uber has signed a deal with Lucid Group to deploy 20,000 Lucid Robotaxis in the U.S. over the next six years. Services are expected to launch in a major U.S. city next year, further cementing Uber’s move toward autonomous mobility. Together with Waymo, the Lucid partnership signals Uber’s intention to build a dual-pronged autonomous network—leveraging both existing partnerships and future large-scale deployments.