Thanks to Elon Musk, there has been quite a bit of talk about the robotaxi, also known as autonomous vehicles. However, this isn’t a new idea. Some companies already have them, and others plan to do so. Now, Uber and GM are teaming up to do just that starting next year. Details are scarce, but this could be a game-changer for the rideshare program. 

The robotaxi is not a new idea

As many people know, Elon Musk plans to launch the Tesla Robotaxi soon. However, other companies also plan to do the same thing. According to Gizmodo, Uber and General Motors’ Cruse are set to combine forces to offer autonomous vehicles. The two companies are calling this a “multiyear strategic partnership.” The robotaxi options from the partnership are expected to launch next year. 

Naturally, the cars used for the Robotaxi program would come from General Motors. Users could then use the Uber app to book a driverless vehicle to carry them to their destination. Not much is known about the partnership, but a representative told Gizmodo that the first city to host the program would be Phoenix, Arizona, Dallas, Texas, or Houston, Texas. Of course, there is also no word on how much this driverless option for transportation will cost people who travel using it. 

As many will recall, this isn’t Uber’s first time attempting the robotaxi concept. The company had a deal with Volvo in 2017 to offer the service, but this didn’t work out. It’s also important to point out that the number of people who trust driverless options is tiny. Most people feel that the technology needs to be more advanced to adhere to the safety standards of the road.