Bloomberg Talks Lyft CEO David Risher Talks Waymo Partnership
Sep 17, 2025
Lyft's CEO David Risher reveals exciting plans for a partnership with Waymo to introduce self-driving cars in Nashville. He explains how this collaboration blends Waymo’s tech with Lyft’s fleet management for efficiency. The conversation also covers the operational aspects of keeping robo-taxis ready and financing these new ventures. Plus, Risher shares insights on competing with other partners in city contracts and expansion strategies into international markets like Europe.
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Self-Driving Cars Expand Rideshare
- Self-driving cars will expand the rideshare market by adding a strong new product category.
- Lyft sees Waymo as a top partner to deliver that market-expanding capability.
Division Of Labor Speeds Scaling
- Specialization speeds scaling by letting each company focus on strengths.
- Lyft provides fleet management and demand while Waymo focuses on the driving system.
FlexDrive Experience Informs Depots
- Lyft has run a rental-style FlexDrive program for about a decade to keep cars ready for drivers.
- That experience informs their plan to run depots that charge, clean, and maintain autonomous vehicles.