Uber $UBER ( ▼ 1.08% ) is trading higher after rolling out its first robotaxi service in Dallas, giving the company an early lead over rivals planning to enter the city next year. Starting today, riders in a 9-square-mile section of Dallas, including downtown, can be matched with autonomous cars operated by Uber’s partner Avride. Uber did not say how many vehicles will be on the roads to start, but said the coverage area will expand over time.
The launch makes Uber the first company offering autonomous rides in Dallas. Google’s $GOOGL ( ▲ 0.72% ) Waymo previously said it expects to begin service in the city in 2026, and Lyft $LYFT ( ▼ 1.91% ) also plans to start robotaxi operations next year.
Uber has been eyeing Dallas as an autonomous hub since 2019 and formalized its partnership with Avride, owned by Nebius $NBIS, in late 2024. The early launch gives Uber a head start in one of the country’s major test markets for self-driving services.