Uber controls significant portion of Waymo rides in Austin

In the United States, specifically in Austin and Phoenix, Uber operates a ride-hailing service that includes rides in Waymo robotaxis. Currently, in Austin, Waymo's robotaxi service is available exclusively through Uber, which accounts for approximately 20% of their rides. Waymo, a division of Alphabet, does not prioritize profitability and relies on Uber for rider acquisition, marketing, and billing. Therefore, Uber receives a share of the revenue without engaging in the direct operational aspects that Waymo would typically have to handle. Uber promotes itself as a platform connecting independent drivers with riders; however, the drivers see themselves as working for the company due to the structured nature of the employment. On the other hand, Waymo maintains control over its brand and user experience, indicating it will not let Uber dictate the terms of their partnership. Despite wanting rides, Waymo will only implement Uber's involvement on its terms, ensuring its branding and pricing strategies are protected. Interestingly, when Uber experiences higher demand, it could offer more competitive pricing to Waymo, which may lead to a greater partnership relationship. Ultimately, this dynamic reveals that while Uber appears to manage a vast marketplace, it is still heavily reliant on companies like Waymo to expand its ride options and maintain competitive pricing, potentially reshaping the landscape of mobility services in the future.