Dallas just took a big leap into the future of transportation. Uber has officially launched its robotaxi service in the city, allowing users to experience driverless rides through its app.
On Wednesday, Uber revealed that Dallas residents can now request an Avride robotaxi, a move the company described as “a brand-new way to ride with Uber.” These autonomous vehicles are currently operating in a 9-square-mile zone that includes Downtown, Uptown, Turtle Creek, and Deep Ellum, with plans to expand further.
Users can encounter these robotaxis when selecting UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric. Riders will have the option to accept the autonomous vehicle or switch to a regular car with a human driver.
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, Uber’s head of autonomous mobility and delivery.
He added, “With the world’s largest hybrid network, we’re proving how AVs and drivers can work side by side to make transportation more convenient, sustainable, and affordable for people everywhere.
The move comes at a time when Texas has been navigating the complexities of autonomous vehicles. Earlier this year, several Texas lawmakers asked Tesla to delay its robotaxi rollout in Austin until a new state law took effect.
Over in San Francisco, concerns over autonomous vehicles have led to proposed restrictions after a Waymo car reportedly struck and killed a neighborhood cat.
Uber’s Dallas debut signals a growing trend of major cities experimenting with self-driving technology as part of the everyday commute.
