Lyft partners with Waymo to bring robotaxis to Nashville
- Waymo and Lyft announced a partnership for a robotaxi service in Nashville in 2026.
- The collaboration will allow passengers to hail rides initially through Waymo's app, later expanding to Lyft's platform.
- This move marks a significant shift for Waymo as it transitions from its previous partnership with Uber, expanding its reach in the U.S. ride-hailing market.
On September 17, 2025, Waymo and Lyft revealed a collaboration aimed at introducing a robotaxi service in Nashville, Tennessee, set for launch in 2026. This partnership signifies a shift in Waymo's approach as they move away from their previous collaboration with Uber, which had previously included robotaxi services in cities like Atlanta and Austin. Waymo plans to initiate testing of its all-electric autonomous vehicles, specifically the Jaguar I-Pace, in the upcoming months before making the service available for public use through Lyft’s app by 2026, alongside Waymo's app. Lyft’s CEO, David Risher, emphasized the significance of combining Waymo's proven autonomous technology with Lyft’s customer-centric services and efficient fleet management strategies. This collaboration aims to enhance Lyft’s market position as it continues to recover from losses endured during the pandemic, while Waymo aims to widen its customer base by providing services through two of the largest ride-hailing platforms in the United States. The new service will start with limited ride requests available through the Waymo app, eventually integrating into Lyft's platform later in 2026. This expansion is part of a broader initiative where Waymo aims to extend its robotaxi reach to several major cities, including Miami, Washington D.C., Dallas, and Denver. The previous tests of robotaxi services conducted by Waymo in Phoenix in 2019 with Lyft have paved the way for this renewed partnership, bringing both companies together to enhance user experience in Nashville’s transportation landscape. With Waymo's history of establishing autonomous services in major urban areas and Lyft's strong presence in the ride-hailing market, this development is likely to stimulate competitive dynamics in Nashville. The successful integration of Waymo's technology with Lyft’s platform could set a precedent for future collaborations, given that Uber has notably rebounded from pandemic-related disruptions. Additionally, Lyft’s ability to adapt and innovate during this transition may play a crucial role in its ongoing recovery efforts, indicating a pivotal moment for both companies and their future operations.