Key facts
- Waymo is launching a $30 monthly membership program called Waymo Premier.
- The subscription offers perks like priority pickup, cash back, and early access.
- Members will receive 10% Waymo Cash back on trips, with more during busy periods.
- The program is initially available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
- Waymo Premier will not apply in cities where rides are hailed through Uber.
Waymo is launching a $30 monthly membership program, "Waymo Premier," aimed at enhancing its stand-alone ride-hailing business. The subscription offers frequent riders benefits such as priority pickup, cash back on trips, early access to new city launches, and up to five free cancellations per month.
The program will initially be rolled out in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, three of Waymo's most established markets. A Waymo spokesperson clarified that the membership will not be available in cities where Waymo rides are accessed through Uber, such as Austin and Atlanta.
This move signifies Waymo's strategy to deepen its direct relationship with customers, particularly as it expands into new territories independently of ride-hailing partnerships. The company previously announced a partnership with Lyft in Nashville but has since focused on expanding its app-based service in other cities like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Miami, and Orlando.
Waymo is also deploying its Ojai electric minivan robotaxi, which provides increased legroom and luggage space. This contrasts with Uber's approach, which advocates for a hybrid model combining human drivers with autonomous vehicles, a strategy Uber has previously suggested is more scalable and reliable than AV-only deployments.