Bold statement: Autonomous rides are no longer a distant future vision—they’re here, and Dallas is paving the way with robotaxi service from Avride in partnership with Uber. This expansion marks a notable step toward more accessible, sustainable urban transportation. Here’s a clear rewrite of the original announcement, preserving all key details while offering a fluent, beginner-friendly explanation, plus a few extra clarifications and practical examples.
Uber and Avride Introduce Robotaxi Service in Dallas
Dallas residents now have the option to ride in an Avride robotaxi when they request an Uber. Avride’s fully electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxis are integrated into the Uber app, giving users in Dallas a new, driverless-leaning transportation choice.
Scope of Service
- The initial service covers 9 square miles across Dallas, spanning Downtown, Uptown, Turtle Creek, and Deep Ellum, with plans to broaden the operating area over time.
What riders can expect when matched with an Avride robotaxi
- Request your ride: Starting today, Uber riders in Dallas who select UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric may be matched with an all-electric Avride robotaxi at no extra cost. You’ll receive a notification when matched and you can choose to accept the AV ride or switch to a traditional non-autonomous option.
- Familiar app, new experience: When the robotaxi arrives, you can unlock the vehicle and begin the trip directly within the Uber app, just like a regular ride.
- Path to driverless: The Avride vehicles are designed to operate as fully autonomous robotaxis. At launch, an on-board specialist will monitor from the inside as the system runs, with plans to transition to fully driverless operation (no human behind the wheel) in the future.
- Safety first: Safety remains a top priority. Every autonomous vehicle operating on the Uber network must meet Uber’s Safety Guidelines. If assistance is needed at any time, riders can access human support through the Uber app.
- Update your Ride Preferences: Dallas riders who are enthusiastic about robotaxi travel can improve their chances of being matched by enabling the Ride Preferences in the Uber app Settings.
Executive statements
- Sarfraz Maredia, Uber Global Head of Autonomous, commented on the Dallas launch as part of Uber’s broader move toward an electric and autonomous transportation future. He emphasized that the company’s hybrid network demonstrates how autonomous vehicles and human drivers can coexist to increase convenience, sustainability, and affordability.
- Dmitry Polishchuk, CEO of Avride, highlighted the milestone of introducing robotaxis in Dallas and noted the collaboration with Uber follows a successful autonomous delivery partnership. He described robotaxis as a core capability that will scale passenger mobility through shared technology.
Strategic outlook
As Uber and Avride grow the world’s largest hybrid mobility network, the vision is to reshape how people move—making transportation more affordable, more sustainable, and more accessible for everyone by combining autonomous technology with human support during the transition period.
About Uber
Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. Since launching in 2010 to provide rides at the touch of a button, Uber has facilitated billions of trips and continually develops products to bring people closer to where they want to be. By transforming how people, food, and goods move within cities, Uber aims to open up new possibilities across urban life.
About Avride
Avride is a United States-based autonomous vehicle startup headquartered in Austin, Texas, with additional research and development hubs worldwide. The company develops autonomous cars and delivery robots that share technologies to mutually advance each other’s capabilities. Since 2017, Avride has focused on building expertise in autonomous technologies to meet current needs while anticipating future demands.
Source: Uber Technologies, Inc.
Note: This rewrite preserves all factual details from the original press release and presents them in a clear, beginner-friendly, and engaging manner while mildly expanding on context and practical implications for readers."}
