Header image that reads "Streetsblog USA" in white and black text, on a yellow background

The latest streets and transportation news from Streetsblog USA.

Uber says that it is not worried about Waymo cutting into its business because the self-driving taxi startup is driving a massive expansion in all app taxi use, not just driverless.

During Uber’s last quarterly earnings call, the company told shareholders that the company is still positioned to dominate the market even though Waymo has become the household name of autonomous taxis in the U.S.

The tech-giant’s presentation to shareholders was revealing, however, for those who are looking to understand how a company like Waymo would affect New York City.
 
“Our network benefits from every incremental unit of supply added in a city. As supply increases, customers find more value because rides become more affordable with faster ETAs,” the Uber-penned docs read. “This fact alone gives us considerable conviction that AVs (as a new form of supply) will expand — not shrink — our total addressable market.”

Between Uber and its competitor Lyft, there are around 80,000 licensed app-based taxis currently in New York City. It’s clear from Uber’s investor materials that the company sees autonomous taxis entering the market as a chance to expand its footprint.

In other words, Waymo means way mo’ cars. 

Read more at the links below.

  • Where the Battles Against Harmful Highways and Hyper-Scale Data Centers Collide
    by Kea Wilson
    September 22, 2026
    Hyperscale AI data centers and highways are both harmful forms of fossil fuel infrastructure that get built without much community input — and it’s time to fight back against both, one of our favorite podcasters argues.
  • I Survived the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market Crash
    by Kea Wilson
    September 22, 2026
    A survivor of a mass casualty reflects on what she’s learned about car culture, grief, and resilience.
  • Tuesday’s Headlines Are a Speed Trap
    by Blake Aued
    September 22, 2026
    There’s a downside to enforcing traffic laws when cities do it to raise revenue rather than to save lives.
Donate to Streetsblog USA

Copyright © 2024 OpenPlans/Streetsblog & Streetfilms. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email as a friend of Streetsblog USA.

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Our mailing address is:
OpenPlans/Streetsblog & Streetfilms PO Box 1009 New York, NY 10013
Manage Subscription Preferences
LiveIntent Logo AdChoices Logo