Uber customers in Dallas can now hail an Avride-branded robotaxi, marking the launch of a new commercial autonomous vehicle service in the city. This deployment, a year after Uber and Avride announced their partnership, introduces self-driving cars to the ride-hailing landscape, albeit with some initial limitations.
Dallas Robotaxi Service: Initial Rollout and Future Plans
The newly launched robotaxi service in Dallas will initially operate with a human safety operator behind the wheel, who will monitor the ride and intervene if necessary. The service area is also restricted to a 9-square-mile zone, encompassing downtown Dallas. Both companies have indicated that fully driverless operations, without a safety operator, and an expanded service area are planned for the future.
The robotaxi fleet consists of all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles, equipped with Avride's advanced self-driving system. Uber plans to broaden the operating territory in the coming months, with an eventual goal to expand the fleet to hundreds of Avride robotaxis across Dallas within the next few years.
Uber's Expanding Autonomous Vehicle Strategy
For Uber, this launch culminates a year of aggressive dealmaking and deployments with various autonomous vehicle technology companies. The ride-hailing giant has forged over 20 partnerships with AV firms across freight, delivery, and robotaxi sectors, many of which are now commercially operational. Uber currently offers autonomous vehicle services through its app in several global cities, including Abu Dhabi and Riyadh with WeRide, and in Atlanta, Austin, and Phoenix with Waymo.
Looking ahead, Uber aims to integrate autonomous vehicles into its network in at least 10 cities by the end of 2026. Planned expansion cities over the next two years include Arlington, Texas; Dubai; London; Los Angeles; Munich; and the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Strategic Partnership with Avride
Avride, an Austin-based startup operating under the Nebius Group, is a significant partner in Uber's autonomous ambitions, having received an investment from the ride-hailing company. In October 2024, Uber entered a multi-year deal with Avride to deploy its sidewalk delivery robots and autonomous vehicles for both Uber Eats and Uber. Within months of this agreement, Avride's sidewalk robots began delivering food via the Uber Eats app in Austin, Dallas, and Jersey City.
Further solidifying their collaboration, Avride secured strategic investments and commercial commitments totaling $375 million from Uber and Nebius in the fall. Nebius Group, previously known as Yandex NV, is the Netherlands-based company that sold off its Russian business in 2024.
While Avride's sidewalk robots for food delivery were a notable step, this robotaxi launch represents a higher-stakes venture for both companies in the competitive autonomous mobility market.
Rider Experience and Operational Model
The Dallas robotaxi service will eventually mirror Uber's partnerships with Waymo in Austin and Atlanta. Initially, Avride will manage its own fleet. However, Uber will gradually assume day-to-day fleet operations, including cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging, and depot management. Uber will also provide comprehensive end-to-end rider support from the outset, while Avride will continue to oversee vehicle testing and technology development.
Uber riders requesting UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric rides may be matched with an Avride robotaxi. While a match is not guaranteed, riders can increase their chances by adjusting a setting within the Uber app. Robotaxi rides will be priced identically to those operated by human drivers.
Upon being matched with an Avride robotaxi, users will have the option to accept the autonomous ride or switch to a human-driven vehicle. Once the robotaxi arrives, riders can use the Uber app to unlock the vehicle, open the trunk, and initiate their trip, providing a seamless and integrated user experience.
