Alphabet's Waymo is exploring an exit from its partnership with Uber, as tensions escalate over the future of robotaxis. Waymo has internally discussed ending its current deals with Uber, which operates Waymo services in Austin and Atlanta.

Waymo has informed Uber of its intention to enter these markets independently in January 2028, when their contract allows. The relationship, which began in 2023, has soured due to increasing competition and diverging lobbying efforts regarding robotaxi legislation. Both companies have exchanged complaints regarding service and safety issues.

A potential split could impact Uber's autonomous vehicle ambitions, especially after it sold its in-house AV arm. Waymo, which operates over 3,800 vehicles across ten cities and raised $16 billion in February, has already made inroads in markets like San Francisco. The companies previously partnered in Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta, but Waymo has also expanded independently in several US markets.