Uber and Avride launch robotaxi service in Dallas

Uber and Avride have launched a commercial robotaxi service in Dallas, marking the first deployment of Avride-branded autonomous vehicles through the Uber app. The service currently operates within a limited 9-square-mile area including downtown Dallas and features a human safety operator behind the wheel, with plans to transition to fully driverless operations and expand the service area in the future. The robotaxi fleet consists of all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles equipped with Avride’s self-driving technology, and riders requesting UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric may be matched with a robotaxi at no additional cost. Users can accept or decline the robotaxi option and interact with the vehicle via the Uber app. This launch is part of Uber’s broader strategy to integrate autonomous vehicles into its ride-hailing network, following a year of multiple partnerships and investments in AV technology companies such as Waymo, WeRide, and Nuro. Uber currently offers autonomous rides in several cities and aims to have AVs available