Lyft and May Mobility Launch Robotaxis in Atlanta

Lyft Launches Robotaxi Service in Atlanta with May Mobility

Atlanta residents are now able to request a May Mobility robotaxi directly through the Lyft application. This represents the initial commercial implementation resulting from the collaborative efforts between the two companies.

This Atlanta launch signifies Lyft’s intention to establish a foothold within the burgeoning robotaxi sector.

Competition in the Robotaxi Market

However, significant progress is needed for Lyft to effectively compete with its primary rival, Uber. Recent analysis from Bank of America downgraded Lyft’s stock rating, citing concerns about potential market share loss due to Waymo’s expansion in California and Uber’s proactive autonomous vehicle (AV) partnership strategy.

Positive second-quarter earnings reports have subsequently improved analyst perspectives. The introduction of a robotaxi fleet could contribute to sustaining this positive trend.

Initial Deployment Details

The initial rollout involves a limited number of hybrid-electric Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles. Operations are restricted to specific hours, and a trained human safety operator will be present in the driver’s seat.

Notably, Uber and Waymo began offering completely driverless rides within the same city, Atlanta, in June.

According to a company spokesperson, Lyft and May Mobility intend to expand their fleet incrementally – from “dozens” to “hundreds” and ultimately “thousands” – across numerous markets over time.

Service Availability and Safety Measures

May Mobility’s vehicles will be accessible to Lyft users through on-demand requests or the “Wait & Save” option. The service will initially operate in Midtown Atlanta during weekday morning and afternoon rush hours, with plans for extended hours, including evenings and weekends, in the near future.

During the initial phase of the Atlanta deployment, safety operators will be present and prepared to assume control of the vehicle “from time to time,” as stated by the spokesperson.

Lyft’s Broader AV Strategy

This deployment with May Mobility follows Lyft’s recent announcement of a partnership with Baidu to introduce robotaxis in Europe next year.

Lyft CEO David Risher has also indicated plans to collaborate with Mobileye to deploy Mobileye-powered vehicles on the Lyft app in Dallas, anticipated “as soon as 2026,” with further expansion to additional cities.

Past AV Partnerships

Not all of Lyft’s AV ventures have been successful. A previous robotaxi service, always utilizing a human safety driver, was launched in Las Vegas through a partnership with Motional.

Similar agreements were established in Austin and Miami with Argo AI. However, Motional suspended the partnership in May 2024 following workforce reductions, and Argo AI ceased operations in 2022. Lyft incurred a $135.7 million loss when Argo AI was dissolved.

Uber’s Extensive AV Network

Uber has cultivated a network of 20 global AV partners across its ride-hailing, delivery, and freight businesses, reportedly generating an annualized rate of 1.5 million mobility and delivery trips.

May Mobility is also a partner of Uber, with plans to launch robotaxis in Arlington, Texas, this year as part of a multi-year collaboration.

May Mobility’s Expanding Operations

The Atlanta launch represents May Mobility’s second commercial deployment in Georgia. The company also operates a limited driverless microtransit service in Peachtree Corners.

The startup primarily focuses on deploying self-driving shuttles in low-traffic environments within geofenced areas with designated stops.

Currently, May Mobility provides commercial services, with a human safety operator, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota; Martinez, California; and the Tokyo waterfront in Japan.