Cruise’s robotaxis are poised to join Uber’s ride-hailing service next year, marking a significant shift in direction for the company. This move comes after Cruise’s California license to provide driverless rides was suspended in October 2023 following a high-profile incident in San Francisco. The incident prompted regulatory inquiries into Cruise and led its corporate parent, General Motors, to scale back its ambitious plans for autonomous driving. Despite the setbacks, Cruise’s chief executive, Marc Whitten, remains committed to the company’s goal of making autonomous driving a reality, citing the mission to use driverless technology to create safer streets and redefine urban life.
As part of the partnership, Cruise’s robotaxis will be integrated into Uber’s human-driven ride-hailing service, giving passengers the option to request an autonomous ride. Whitten emphasized that the company’s robotaxis are designed to navigate the roads entirely on their own, without human intervention. Cruise is currently operating Chevy Bolts autonomously in Phoenix and Dallas, where humans sit behind the wheel ready to take over if something goes wrong.
Cruise’s Robotaxis Join Forces With Uber to Revolutionize Ride-Hailing (Image via Getty)
Waymo, a Google spinoff, is also expanding its robotaxi fleet beyond San Francisco into cities around the Bay Area and Southern California. Waymo has announced that its robotaxis are completing over 100,000 paid rides per week, including in Phoenix, where it has been operating for several years. The success of Waymo’s robotaxi service has driven the growth of the autonomous driving industry, with many companies, including Cruise, aiming to replicate its achievements.
Uber’s chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, expressed confidence that the ride-hailing service could help Cruise get back on track. He believes that Uber can play an important role in safely and reliably introducing autonomous technology to consumers and cities around the world. Khosrowshahi stated that the partnership marks a significant step towards making autonomous driving a reality and is seen as a way to get back on track and make autonomous driving a viable business.
GM’s financial struggles, exacerbated by Cruise’s losses, have led to layoffs and belt-tightening measures. However, the company remains committed to its autonomous driving project, with Cruise’s robotaxis set to join Uber’s service next year. As the partnership rolls out, it marks a significant step towards making autonomous driving a reality, and it is expected to have a profound impact on the ride-hailing industry.
