FT reports Alphabet’s Waymo is exploring options to end its partnership with
Uber as rivalry in the robotaxi market heats up. People familiar say Waymo has
discussed terminating the deal that supports Uber’s robotaxi operations in
Austin and Atlanta. Uber said Waymo notified the company it plans to operate
independently in those markets from January 2028 if the contract allows. The
companies began the partnership in 2023; relations have soured as they have
become direct competitors in some markets and lobbied for local robotaxi rules
that favor their respective businesses.