Is Texas Becoming The Hub For Driverless Vehicles?

Waymo may still lead the robotaxi race, but it’s no longer the only name making waves, especially in Texas.

Uber is officially entering the game, partnering with May Mobility in a multi-year deal that will bring thousands of autonomous vehicles to the Uber app. The first city on their rollout map? Arlington, Texas, with launches expected by the end of 2025.

Riders will soon have the option to take trips in May’s hybrid-electric Toyota Siennas. The robotaxi rides will first launch with safety drivers in vehicles but they will eventually go completely driverless.

This move follows a similar deal between May Mobility and Lyft to launch the same robotaxis in Atlanta, pointing to a rising trend: AV companies teaming up with established ride-hailing platforms to scale quickly.

Other major players in driverless rides in Texas.

But Uber and May won’t be alone in Texas. Waymo launched in Austin earlier this year, and Tesla’s robotaxi debut is slated for June, also in Austin. That means three major players could be operating side-by-side in Texas by the end of the year.

And it’s not just passenger cars going autonomous. Self-driving semi-trucks from companies like Aurora are already testing on Texas highways, signaling big shifts in freight and logistics, too.

“Launching on the Uber platform is a big signal to the market that May Mobility is ready to quickly expand,” said Edwin Olson, May Mobility’s CEO.

From robotaxis in city centers to driverless trucks on interstates, Texas is becoming ground zero for the future of transportation.