Waymo may end Uber robotaxi alliance, FT reports

Anabelle Colaco
28 Jul 2026, 13:03 GMT+10

Alphabet's self-driving unit Waymo is considering ending its partnership with Uber as tensions grow between the two companies over operational and commercial issues
According to the report, Waymo has held internal discussions about terminating the partnership, which was first announced in 2023
The report said Waymo has expressed concerns about the cleanliness of its vehicles and the routing used by Uber, while Uber has complained about the sudden unavailability of Waymo vehicles during bad weather

SAN FRANCISCO, California: Alphabet's self-driving unit Waymo is considering ending its partnership with Uber as tensions grow between the two companies over operational and commercial issues, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

According to the report, Waymo has held internal discussions about terminating the partnership, which was first announced in 2023. The companies have increasingly disagreed over how the alliance operates and its financial terms.

The report said Waymo has expressed concerns about the cleanliness of its vehicles and the routing used by Uber, while Uber has complained about the sudden unavailability of Waymo vehicles during bad weather and argued that the partnership has "unsustainable financial terms."

The two companies were "pursuing diverging objectives," the Financial Times quoted a person familiar with the developments as saying.

The report also said Waymo has informed Uber that it plans to enter the affected markets independently beginning in January 2028, when the current agreement allows it to do so.

Waymo and Uber did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The report could not independently be verified.

The companies ended their self-driving partnership in Phoenix, Arizona, in late June. Waymo's autonomous vehicles continue to be available through Uber's ride-hailing platform in Austin and Atlanta.

Shares of Uber closed down 4.3% following the report.