Uber is inviting customers to join an interest list if they want to ride in a Waymo robotaxi.

The fast expansion of Waymo’s driverless car service is growing competition for Uber. The companies are also partners.

Uber customers in Austin may notice a new offer when they open the app and hail a ride: an invitation to signal their interest in a Waymo robotaxi. For

Uber is opening its "interest list" for riders in Austin, Texas, who want to try the Waymo robotaxi service there soon. Riders in Austin will be able to travel across 37 square miles of the city when Uber and Waymo fully launch the service.

Uber Technologies Inc. has set up a waitlist for customers interested in requesting a driverless Waymo vehicle in Austin, ahead of a planned launch later this year.

The electric, self-driving vehicles prepare to merge onto California’s 405 freeway — but have already driven 1.9 million miles in L.A., since beginning there in November. They will, for now, carry staffers only.

Abrar Al-Heeti is a technology reporter for CNET, with an interest in phones, streaming, autonomous cars, internet trends, entertainment, pop culture and digital accessibility. She's also worked for CNET's video,

Uber users in Austin can now opt in to increase their chances of being matched with a Waymo vehicle. Photo: Courtesy of Uber