Uber and AVride Launch Robotaxi Service in Dallas

Robotaxi Service Launches in Dallas with Uber and Avride

Customers utilizing Uber in Dallas may now have the option of being transported in an Avride-branded robotaxi when requesting a ride.

Partnership and Initial Launch Details

Following a year of collaboration, Uber and Avride have initiated a commercial robotaxi service within Dallas. However, the initial rollout includes certain limitations. A human safety operator will be present in the vehicle, and the service is restricted to a defined geographical area.

The companies have indicated that fully autonomous operation, without a safety driver, is planned for the future, alongside an expansion of the service area.

Uber's Expanding AV Network

This launch represents the culmination of a year characterized by substantial agreements and deployments for Uber, involving numerous autonomous vehicle technology firms. These include Waymo, WeRide of China, and the startup Nuro, based in San Francisco.

To date, Uber has established 20 partnerships with AV companies spanning freight, delivery services, and robotaxis, with a portion of these now operational commercially.

Uber currently provides autonomous vehicle options through its ride-hailing application in cities like Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, in conjunction with WeRide, and in Atlanta, Austin, and Phoenix alongside Waymo.

Future Expansion Plans

Uber anticipates deploying autonomous vehicles in at least 10 additional cities by the close of 2026. The company intends to introduce AVs to its app in locations such as Arlington, Texas, Dubai, London, Los Angeles, Munich, and the San Francisco Bay Area over the next two years.

Investment and Background on Avride

Many of these collaborations have involved direct investment from Uber, and Avride is among those receiving such support. The Austin-based startup operates under the parent company Nebius Group.

In October 2024, Uber entered into a multi-year agreement with Avride to integrate its sidewalk delivery robots and autonomous vehicles into both Uber Eats and the core Uber service.

Shortly after, Avride secured strategic investments and commercial commitments totaling $375 million from Uber and Nebius, formerly known as Yandex NV, which divested its Russian operations in 2024.

Significance of the Robotaxi Launch

While Uber’s utilization of Avride’s sidewalk robots for food delivery is noteworthy, the robotaxi service launch carries potentially greater implications for both organizations.

Fleet Details and Operating Area

The robotaxi fleet consists of all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles, equipped with Avride’s autonomous driving system. Initially, the service will cover a nine-square-mile area of Dallas, encompassing the downtown region. Uber intends to broaden the operational territory in the coming months.

Fleet Growth and Operational Transition

The current fleet size is limited, but Uber anticipates expanding to hundreds of Avride robotaxis throughout Dallas within the next few years, as stated by a company spokesperson.

The Dallas robotaxi service is projected to function similarly to Uber’s existing partnership with Waymo in Austin and Atlanta. Avride will initially manage the fleet, while Uber will assume responsibility for daily operations, including vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging, and depot management.

Uber will provide comprehensive rider support from the outset, while Avride will continue to oversee vehicle testing procedures.

Rider Experience and Cost

Uber riders requesting UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric rides may be assigned an Avride robotaxi. However, this is not guaranteed, and riders can enhance their chances of being matched with a robotaxi by adjusting a setting within the Uber app.

Robotaxi fares will be equivalent to those charged for rides with human drivers, according to Uber.

When matched with an Avride robotaxi, Uber users can choose to accept or switch to a traditional ride. Upon arrival, riders can utilize the Uber app to unlock the vehicle, access the trunk, and initiate their journey.