AUSTIN, Texas — Starting on Tuesday, Austinites looking to get an Uber ride will now have the option to travel in a self-driving vehicle.
Uber is offering autonomous Waymo rides for its passengers, and one familiar Central Texas face is helping endorse this new initiative.
Texas Longhorns quarterback joined a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal with Uber, and he posted a video to social media on Tuesday supporting the partnership.
The video featured Arch Manning, his father Cooper Manning, and his grandfather Archie Manning riding together in one of the electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.
The video, also posted to Uber’s official social media accounts, was partially captioned: “Who’s Manning the car!? We’ve seen a lot of great drives – but this one’s a game changer.”
The Mannings appeared to be riding through the University of Texas at Austin campus in order for Arch to get dropped off at class.
The Longhorns star has partnered with several other companies throughout his career, including with Panini America in 2023 for an exclusive trading card. In January 2025, he also announced an NIL deal with Red Bull.
Self-driving vehicles introduced in Austin
With the new Uber and Waymo partnership, riders will be informed on whether the option to take a self-driving vehicle is available. If uninterested, they can choose to opt out and have a human driver take them instead.
The rideshare covers 37 miles throughout the city, including in areas like the Rainey Street Historic District, Zilker and South Lamar.
The cost of an autonomous vehicle ride is the same as one with a human driver, according to Uber. One benefit of the driverless fares – tips are not expected.
Uber and Waymo also plan to extend their driverless rides to Atlanta, GA.