Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous car subsidiary, has been working on its private transportation service for a while with this type of car. The company's plans were to start this service in the state of Arizona. A fleet with which many see that it could compete with Uber. However, the company has had to wait until you have obtained the necessary permission.
Since the authorities have had to approve that Waymo operates as a transportation services company. During this time, the company has been testing autonomous Chrysler Pacifica trucks. They have done tests in the city of Phoenix and offered free rides.
Finally, Waymo has obtained this permission to operate. Therefore, the trips must have a price and they will have to be booked through an application. Although so far rates have not been disclosed that the company is going to implement.
The Alphabet subsidiary seeks to compete with companies like Uber and Lyft in this market. Although in this case it is about trips in autonomous vehicles. Something that undoubtedly differentiates them a lot from the rest of the companies that operate in this market. They will initially operate in Phoenix and in the state of Arizona on a trial basis..
But the company's plans are to take its service beyond the southern state. So probably throughout 2018 Waymo will reach more cities in the United States. With these plans, it seems they are going straight for Uber. Since the company also tested an autonomous car, but an accident precisely in Arizona, caused the project to end up being suspended.
Even if, the situation between Waymo and Uber is not the best. Because both companies have been at odds over an alleged theft of autonomous technology. Yes OK both have reached an agreement that prevented the holding of a trial. Tensions may resurface between the two parties.