Uber Partners with May Mobility to Expand Autonomous Vehicle Rides Nationwide

Uber has announced a strategic partnership with May Mobility, a leading developer of autonomous vehicle technology, to offer thousands of self-driving rides through the Uber app over the next few years. The initial launch is planned for Arlington, Texas, by the end of 2025, with expansion to additional U.S. cities slated for 2026.

This partnership reflects both companies' shared vision to accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in ride-hailing services, broadening consumer access and choice across diverse markets. Uber customers will be able to select May Mobility's autonomous, hybrid-electric Toyota Sienna vehicles for qualifying trips, initially with safety operators onboard before transitioning to fully driverless rides.

May Mobility's self-driving system leverages Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology, which enables real-time, human-like reasoning to navigate complex and unexpected urban scenarios with AI-powered speed and precision. This advanced technology enhances safety and reliability, making it well-suited for integration into ride-hailing platforms.

Uber's move to partner with May Mobility follows its decision to sell its own self-driving technology division to Aurora in 2020, signaling a strategic shift toward collaborating with established AV developers. May Mobility already operates autonomous services in cities like Ann Arbor, Michigan; Peachtree Corners, Georgia; and Miami, and partnerships with ride-hailing giants like Uber and Lyft will accelerate its market expansion.

By integrating May Mobility's AVs into the Uber app, riders gain seamless access to autonomous transportation options without needing a separate app, enhancing convenience and adoption. This collaboration is poised to transform urban mobility by making autonomous rides more accessible, safe, and scalable across the United States.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasized the company's commitment to building the future of transportation by partnering with leading AV developers like May Mobility to commercialize and deploy autonomous vehicle technology at scale worldwide.

May Mobility's CEO Edwin Olson highlighted that launching on the Uber platform signals readiness to rapidly expand as a premier autonomy-as-a-service provider, enabling more people across the U.S. to experience the transformative benefits of autonomous vehicles.

Broader Significance and Industry Impact

The Uber-May Mobility partnership exemplifies a pivotal shift in autonomous vehicle deployment strategies, moving from in-house development to ecosystem collaboration. This approach accelerates the commercialization of AV technology by leveraging specialized expertise and existing platforms, which is critical for scaling safe and efficient autonomous ride-hailing services.

For urban planners, transportation companies, and technology leaders, this partnership highlights the growing feasibility and consumer readiness for autonomous mobility solutions. It also underscores the importance of AI-driven decision-making technologies like MPDM in addressing real-world driving complexities, paving the way for safer and more reliable autonomous fleets.

As autonomous vehicle services become integrated into mainstream ride-hailing apps, consumer adoption is expected to increase, driving demand for further innovation and infrastructure development. This collaboration sets a precedent for future partnerships between AV developers and mobility platforms, accelerating the transition to autonomous urban transportation.