Waymo, Google's sister company, is reportedly exploring options to exit its partnership with Uber, signaling a deepening rift as they fight for control over the future of ride-hailing. Citing multiple people familiar with the matter, a report by The Financial Times said Waymo has held internal discussions about severing its current agreements with Uber, which manages robotaxi rides in major hubs like Austin and Atlanta. Waymo has already notified Uber that it intends to launch its own independent service in those markets starting in January 2028 when its current contract permits. The relationship has strained after both companies lodged mutual complaints regarding service quality, safety and operational headaches. While the Alphabet division has questioned the cleanliness and routing of their vehicles and criticised Uber's routing algorithms, Uber has raised issues like bus incidents. In one incident in Atlanta, dozens of Waymo vehicles clogged a residential cul-de-sac, which sources attribute to Uber’s vehicle management. In December, Uber formally wrote to Waymo after several robotaxis passed stopped school buses in Austin. The friction has already led to a partial breakup; in May, the two companies allowed their original partnership in Phoenix to lapse. Beyond operations, the companies are locked in a lobbying battle to shape state and federal robotaxi laws.