What driverless Uber is and where you can use it
Driverless Uber is a ride service where an autonomous vehicle picks you up and drops you off instead of a human driver. Uber calls this service Uber ATG (Advanced Technologies Group) in some cities, though the branding and availability change by location. As of now, driverless rides are only available in a handful of cities — primarily San Francisco, Phoenix, and Las Vegas — and only in specific zones within those cities, not citywide.
The vehicles are equipped with cameras, radar, lidar (light detection and ranging), and onboard computers that handle steering, acceleration, and braking. You still order through the Uber app the same way you would for a regular ride, but the app will show you whether a driverless vehicle is available in your pickup area. If one is, you can choose it; if not, you get a human driver as usual.
Driverless Uber is not the same as Uber's other services. It is separate from UberX (standard rides with drivers), Uber Eats (food delivery), or Uber Black (premium rides). The pricing, availability, and operating rules differ significantly from traditional Uber rides.
Key Takeaways
- Driverless Uber operates only in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Las Vegas, and only within specific zones in those cities, not throughout the entire city.
- You order a driverless ride through the regular Uber app, but the vehicle will only be available if you are in a zone where the service operates.
- The vehicles use cameras, radar, and onboard computers to navigate without a human driver, but a remote operator can monitor or take control if needed.
- Pricing for driverless rides may differ from standard Uber rides, and availability is limited compared to traditional driver-based services.
- Driverless Uber is still in a testing and expansion phase, so the cities and zones where it operates can change.
How to order a driverless Uber ride
Ordering a driverless Uber is identical to ordering a regular Uber ride through the app. You open the Uber app, enter your pickup location and destination, and see what ride options are available. If a driverless vehicle is available in your area, it will appear as an option alongside traditional rides.
The app will clearly label the driverless option so you know what you are choosing. You select it, confirm your destination, and the autonomous vehicle will navigate to your pickup location. Once it arrives, you get in, and the vehicle drives you to your destination without a human at the wheel.
If driverless rides are not available in your area or at that moment, the app will only show you traditional Uber options with human drivers. Availability depends on which city you are in, which neighborhood or zone within that city, and whether Uber's fleet of autonomous vehicles is currently operating in that area.
Safety features and remote monitoring
Driverless Uber vehicles have multiple layers of safety systems. The onboard computers process information from cameras and sensors constantly, making decisions about speed, lane changes, and stopping. The vehicles are programmed to follow traffic laws, detect pedestrians and cyclists, and respond to obstacles.
Uber also employs remote operators who can monitor vehicles in real time. If the autonomous system encounters a situation it cannot handle — such as a road closure, construction, or an unusual traffic pattern — a remote operator can take control of the vehicle or guide it through the problem. This means the vehicle is not truly unattended; there is always a human who can intervene if needed.
The vehicles are also equipped with emergency stop buttons and communication systems so passengers can contact support if they have concerns during the ride. Uber maintains insurance coverage for driverless rides, though the specifics of coverage and liability differ from traditional Uber rides.
Where driverless Uber currently operates
As of now, driverless Uber is available in three cities: San Francisco, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. However, the service does not cover the entire city in any of these locations. Instead, it operates within specific zones or neighborhoods.
In San Francisco, driverless rides are available in parts of the city but not in all neighborhoods. In Phoenix, the service operates in designated areas, often in suburban zones where roads are more predictable. In Las Vegas, driverless Uber operates in certain parts of the city, particularly around the Strip and downtown areas.
These zones can expand or contract as Uber tests the technology and works with local regulators. The company has stated plans to expand to other cities, but there is no set timeline. If you are in one of these three cities, check the Uber app to see if driverless rides are available in your specific neighborhood.
Pricing and payment for driverless rides
Pricing for driverless Uber rides may be different from standard Uber rides in the same city. Some driverless rides are priced lower because there is no human driver to pay, while others may be priced similarly or higher depending on demand and Uber's pricing strategy in that market.
You pay through the Uber app the same way you would for any other ride — using a credit card, debit card, or payment method linked to your account. The fare is calculated based on distance and time, similar to traditional Uber pricing, though the exact formula may differ.
Surge pricing (higher prices during peak demand) can still explore to driverless rides. If demand is high and few autonomous vehicles are available, the price will increase. Conversely, if driverless rides are plentiful, prices may be lower than traditional rides.
Differences between driverless and traditional Uber rides
| Feature | Driverless Uber | Traditional Uber (UberX) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Autonomous vehicle with remote monitoring | Human driver |
| Availability | Only in San Francisco, Phoenix, Las Vegas; limited zones | Available in most cities and neighborhoods |
| Pricing | May be lower or higher; varies by market | Standard Uber pricing for that city |
| Communication | Limited; can contact support via app | Can talk to driver directly |
| Customization | No conversation or special requests | Can request music, temperature, route preferences |
| Tipping | Not applicable (no human driver) | Can tip through app or cash |
What happens if something goes wrong during a driverless ride
If you experience a problem during a driverless ride — such as the vehicle taking an unexpected route, stopping abruptly, or you feeling unsafe — you can use the emergency communication button or feature in the app to contact Uber support when ready. A remote operator or support team member can respond and, if necessary, take control of the vehicle.
If the autonomous system encounters a situation it cannot handle, the remote operator will take over and guide the vehicle to a safe location or destination. You will not be stranded; there is always a human monitoring the ride who can intervene.
If you have a complaint or issue after the ride, you can report it through the Uber app just as you would for a traditional ride. Uber reviews these reports and uses them to improve the autonomous system and its safety protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is driverless Uber cheaper than regular Uber?
Pricing varies by city and market. In some cases, driverless rides may be cheaper because there is no human driver to pay. In other cases, prices are similar or higher depending on demand and Uber's strategy. Check the app in your area to compare prices for driverless versus traditional rides.
Can I request a specific route or make stops during a driverless ride?
Driverless rides are more limited than traditional rides. You cannot have a conversation with the vehicle or request route changes the way you would with a human driver. The autonomous system follows the most efficient route programmed into it. If you need flexibility or multiple stops, a traditional Uber ride may be better.
What if the driverless vehicle breaks down during my ride?
Uber's remote operators monitor all driverless vehicles continuously. If a vehicle malfunctions, the operator can take control, guide it to a safe location, and arrange for you to be picked up by another vehicle or a traditional Uber driver. You will not be left without a ride.
Do I need to do anything different to ride in a driverless Uber?
No. You order it through the regular Uber app, get in when it arrives, and buckle up. The main difference is that no human driver will be present. Follow the vehicle's audio and visual cues for where to sit and when to exit.
Will driverless Uber expand to my city soon?
Uber has not announced a specific timeline for expansion beyond San Francisco, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. The company is testing the technology and working with local regulators in these cities. Check the Uber app periodically or visit Uber's website for updates on expansion plans.