# Uber's AI agent problem is still tiny

> Uber disclosed that third-party AI agents arranged just four rides and 500 food deliveries in Q3 2026, out of 320 million total transactions.
- Title: Uber's AI agent problem is still tiny · The Verge | Shortify
- Summary: Uber disclosed that third-party AI agents arranged just four rides and 500 food deliveries in Q3 2026, out of 320 million total transactions. Uber revealed…
- Keywords: uber, ai agents, disintermediation, ride-sharing, food delivery, third-party bots, dara khosrowshahi, The Verge
- Source: The Verge — https://theverge.com/transportation/1026306/ber-ai-agents-q3-earnings-disintermediation
- Author: Andrew J. Hawkins
- Published: 2026-11-04T15:58:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: uber, ai agents, disintermediation, ride-sharing, food delivery, third-party bots, dara khosrowshahi, technology, culture
## Uber's AI agent disclosure
Uber executives revealed during an earnings call on November 4, 2026 that third-party AI agents arranged just four rides during the third quarter.
## Food delivery numbers
AI agents fulfilled around 500 Uber Eats orders during the week of Halloween, out of a total 320 million Uber rides and Uber Eats deliveries.
## First time disclosure
This is the first time Uber has disclosed the number of third-party AI agents arranging deliveries or rides on its platform.
## The disintermediation concern
Experts predict platforms like Uber and DoorDash risk disintermediation, where customers use AI agents like Meta's Muse or OpenAI's Dots instead of visiting apps.
## Uber's openness and confidence
Uber executives expressed openness to working with third-party AI companies while expressing confidence that customers will prefer using the Uber app directly.
## Khosrowshahi on early days
CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said Uber wants to make services available in a delightful way and believes direct services will be most delightful, but will work with third parties.

> We hope that there will be more traction. We do think that we want to make services that are available to consumers in a delightful, easy way.
## Uber's own AI strategy
Uber is developing its own AI tools to keep customers on its platform, including a Cart Assistant for Uber Eats that builds grocery lists from recipe images or text prompts.
## Key takeaway

Uber revealed third-party AI agents handled only four rides and 500 deliveries last quarter, showing disintermediation fears remain premature despite industry concerns.