Uber Plans to Grow Its Robotaxi Fleet Fast

4 min read

Uber plans to grow its fleet of driverless cars quickly, the company said on November 4, 2026. It also admitted it has too few drivers in some markets.

Key Points

Uber expects about 700 fully driverless vehicles on its platform by the end of 2026.
The fleet should pass 2,000 by the end of 2027, roughly triple this year’s level.
Driver shortages in several international markets are pushing Uber to raise driver pay.

Uber Robotaxis Are Set to Grow

Uber shared its plans with its third quarter 2026 results. Fully driverless rides still make up less than 0.5% of all trips, Tech Times reported.

That share could grow fast. Uber expects about 700 fully driverless vehicles on its app by December 31, 2026.

By the end of 2027, the fleet should pass 2,000 vehicles. Uber has said it hopes to reach tens of thousands by 2028.

700Fully driverless vehicles Uber expects on its platform by the end of 2026, according to its third quarter results.

Partners Behind the Plan

Uber does not build its own self-driving cars. Instead, it works with more than 25 partners.

These include Waymo, Zoox, Wayve, Baidu, Rivian and NVIDIA. Waymo rides are already available on Uber in Austin and Atlanta. Zoox plans to launch on Uber in Las Vegas this month.

Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said “our focus on autonomous is now on commercial execution.”

In other words, Uber wants these services to make money, not just run tests.

Good to know. Driverless rides are still rare. For now, nearly all Uber trips use human drivers.

Driver Shortages Abroad

Uber also faces a people problem. Khosrowshahi said driver supply was not keeping pace with strong demand in several international markets, according to PYMNTS.

High fuel prices are hurting driver earnings in places like Brazil and India. Tighter immigration rules and more competition for delivery couriers add to the gap.

Uber is shifting some spending from rider discounts to driver pay. That could mean higher fares for some riders. Khosrowshahi said the company saw “encouraging improvement in October.”

Would you ride in a driverless car?

Yes, gladly
Maybe, after others try it
No, not yet

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Strong Business Numbers

The results showed solid growth. Gross bookings, the total value of rides and orders, reached $59.8 billion. That was up 20% at steady exchange rates.

Uber reported net income of $512 million for the quarter. A loss on the value of its investments held back that number.

Uber files its official results with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors can read the full release there.

Measure	Third Quarter 2026
Gross bookings	$59.8 billion
Growth at steady exchange rates	20%
Net income	$512 million
Driverless share of trips	Under 0.5%

What Robotaxis Mean for Riders

For riders, driverless cars may become a more common choice in big cities. However, most trips will still use human drivers for years.

Prices for driverless rides may also change as fleets grow. Early on, riders may see waitlists or limited service areas.

Safety rules shape how fast this can happen. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains its approach to automated vehicle safety on its website.

If you use ride apps for work, it helps to track every cost. Our guide to holiday side hustle ideas covers more ways to earn extra money.

This article is for information only and is not investment advice.

Try this today. Open your ride app and check its safety features. Learn how to share your trip with a friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I ride a driverless car on Uber?

Waymo rides are available on Uber in Austin and Atlanta. Zoox plans a Las Vegas launch in November 2026.

Will robotaxis replace Uber drivers?

Not soon. Driverless rides are under 0.5% of trips, and Uber is spending more to attract drivers.

Why is Uber short of drivers?

High fuel costs, tighter immigration rules and competition for couriers have cut driver supply in some markets. Planning a trip soon? See how to save money on holiday travel.

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Editor’s Note

This story is accurate as of November 6, 2026. It draws on Uber’s third quarter 2026 results and earnings call. Fleet targets are company goals and may change.

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