Uber Stock Falls Nearly 5% as Waymo Plans Independent Robotaxi Launch in 2028

According to Financial Times reporting, Uber Technologies (UBER) shares fell nearly 5% on Friday after Alphabet's Waymo signaled it may exit their robotaxi partnership when the current agreement expires in January 2028. Waymo has informed Uber of plans to launch its own independent robotaxi services in Austin and Atlanta, the company's key markets for autonomous vehicle operations.

The partnership has deteriorated amid mounting competition, regulatory disagreements, and disputes over service quality and safety. Uber has invested over $10 billion in autonomous vehicle partnerships since 2020, making a potential breakup a significant setback for the ride-hailing company's robotaxi ambitions.