Uber partners with Cruise to offer more autonomous driving services next year

Uber has struck a deal with another robotaxi company to offer driverless rides within its app. Starting sometime next year, Uber will offer “qualified” rides the option to take a trip in one of Cruise’s autonomous vehicles. The two companies announced a “multi-year strategic partnership” on Thursday.

Cruise suspended its robotaxi service in October after a Cruise vehicle dragged a pedestrian. The company recently brought its self-driving cars back on the road with safety drivers, Cruise spokeswoman Tiffany Testo said. The Verge The partnership with Uber will come after Cruise restarts its autonomous ride-hailing service.

Uber and Cruise didn’t reveal in their press releases which cities the service will be available in, but Testo said users can “expect” it to launch in one of the cities where it’s currently undergoing supervised testing: Phoenix, Dallas, or Houston.