Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:UBER) gained 2% in premarket trading Wednesday, while Nebius Group NV (NASDAQ:NBIS) — owner of Avride — added 1.4% after the two companies rolled out a new robotaxi service in Dallas.
The launch enables riders in the city to be paired with an Avride autonomous vehicle when selecting UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric, without any added fees. Service will begin in a 9-square-mile zone that includes Downtown, Uptown, Turtle Creek, and Deep Ellum, with broader coverage planned.
“We’re excited to launch autonomous rides in Dallas with Avride, as we continue to build towards an increasingly electric and autonomous future,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber.
During the initial phase, each vehicle will include an on-board safety specialist seated behind the wheel. Uber and Avride intend to move toward full driverless operation over time. Riders can boost their chances of being paired with a robotaxi by enabling the option under Ride Preferences in the Uber app.
The rollout expands on the existing Uber–Avride partnership, which previously centered on autonomous delivery. Dmitry Polishchuk, Avride’s CEO, said the company has focused on robotaxi technology “from day one.”
Passengers will be able to unlock the vehicle and begin their trip directly through the Uber app, with human support teams available if required. Uber reiterated that all AVs operating on its platform must comply with the company’s safety standards.