When Atlanta resident Nate Galesic set out earlier this summer hoping to ride in one of Waymo’s self-driving cars, he quickly realized it wouldn’t be easy. Despite selecting the autonomous vehicle option in the Uber app, he was matched repeatedly with human drivers. It took him nearly an hour and declining more than a dozen rides before the app finally paired him with a Waymo.
“I’ve turned down about 20 drivers on average just to get one,” Galesic said. “The fact that it’s so challenging has turned it into a bit of a game.”
Since Uber launched its partnership with Waymo in Atlanta in June, a growing number of riders are deliberately cancelling rides with human drivers until they finally get one of the robotaxis. For some, it’s about testing the future of transportation; for others, it’s the comfort of knowing a machine won’t judge them for nodding off after a long day.
A Growing Enthusiasm for Robotaxis
Atlanta is the latest city where Uber has rolled out autonomous rides through its Waymo partnership, following similar experiments in Austin, Phoenix, and San Francisco. While riders cannot guarantee a self-driving car every time, enthusiasts like Galesic are actively working the system to maximize their chances.
So far, he estimates he’s taken around 35 Waymo rides since the service launched, using the same method: decline human drivers until the app finally assigns him a self-driving vehicle.
As an assistant director in the TV and film industry, Galesic often finishes long shifts and drives himself home. Being able to ride in an autonomous car allows him to relax, even doze off, without worrying about a human driver or the stress of being behind the wheel himself.
“I’ve always dreamt of the day when I could just pass out on the way home from work,” he said.
Other Atlantans Join the Trend
He’s not alone. Andrew Nerney, another Atlanta resident, has taken five trips in Waymo vehicles since they became available. His home is just outside the designated service area, so he walks a few blocks to a pickup spot where self-driving rides are eligible.
Like Galesic, Nerney said he had to cancel multiple rides before finally landing a Waymo. He noticed a few consistent features: each trip was under four miles, cost less than $12, and stayed on city streets instead of using highways.
“Each day, I see Waymos with passengers more frequently,” Nerney said. “They’re definitely catching on.”
Uber and Waymo Expand Their Fleets
According to Uber, Atlanta currently has dozens of Waymo vehicles in operation, with the fleet expected to grow to hundreds over the next few years. Austin already has about 100 in circulation.
To increase the likelihood of being matched with a Waymo, Uber suggests:
-
Requesting rides that avoid highways.
-
Booking trips outside of peak times such as late nights and weekends.
-
Ensuring both pickup and drop-off points are within the 65-square-mile service area in Atlanta.
Users can also select the “Ride in a Waymo” preference option within the Uber app’s settings.
A Waymo spokesperson said the company chose to partner with Uber in Atlanta rather than launch its own app, in order to reach more riders faster.
Not Everyone Is On Board
While tech enthusiasts are eager to try self-driving cars, many Americans remain cautious. Concerns about safety persist, particularly after highly publicized accidents involving autonomous vehicles in recent years.
“Those negative headlines have pushed some people away,” said Frank McCleary, a partner at consulting firm Arthur D. Little’s automotive practice.
A survey conducted by the firm last year found that U.S. respondents were more likely to avoid self-driving cars by a 17-point margin. However, urban residents especially those in cities with populations over 1 million were more open to the idea and more likely to have already taken or considered a ride.
A Slow Road to Mainstream Adoption
Galesic believes that public skepticism will fade over time, drawing a comparison to smartphones.
“New tech doesn’t become massively adopted overnight,” he said. “It takes years. Remember how long it took people to get used to the iPhone?”
For now, Uber’s Waymo partnership in Atlanta is a niche option but one that’s attracting growing attention. As more Atlantans get comfortable with the technology, the city may prove to be one of the pivotal testing grounds for autonomous ride-hailing at scale.
