Uber launches robotaxi service with Avride in Dallas

Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER) began offering robotaxi rides through a partnership with Avride in Dallas, according to a company announcement.

The service operates across 9 square miles of Dallas, covering areas from Downtown to Uptown, Turtle Creek, and Deep Ellum. Uber plans to expand the operating territory in the future.

Dallas riders who request UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric may be matched with an all-electric Avride robotaxi at no additional cost. Riders receive notifications when matched with a robotaxi and can choose to accept or switch to a conventional ride.

The Avride vehicles are fully electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 models. At launch, an on-board specialist monitors operations behind the wheel. Avride plans to transition to fully autonomous operations without human drivers in the future.

Riders can unlock the vehicle and start trips through the Uber app. Human support remains available through the app if assistance is needed.

"We're excited to launch autonomous rides in Dallas with Avride, as we continue to build towards an increasingly electric and autonomous future," said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber.

"Robotaxis are what we've been building from day one, and we're excited to begin introducing them in Dallas, with our partners at Uber," said Dmitry Polishchuk, CEO at Avride.

Avride, headquartered in Austin, Texas, develops autonomous vehicles and delivery robots. The company has been operating autonomous delivery services and is expanding into passenger transportation through the Uber partnership.

Uber customers in Dallas can increase their chances of being matched with a robotaxi by adjusting preferences in their app settings.

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