Google reportedly has plans to take on Uber with a fleet of self-driving cars, but for now Google Maps is teaming up with competing ride-sharing companies.  They include 99Taxis in Brazil, Hailo in the United Kingdom, mytaxi in Germany and Spain, and Ola Cabs in India. The Alphabet company's on-demand car services will add to Google Map's directions for walkers, drivers, and public transportation customers.

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Google announced a new car services tab for its navigation app on March 15, Tuesday, according to Tech Crunch. The new feature will show riding options and fares for several ride-sharing companies including Uber.

These new car services will first be added to the Android app and will also be available for iOS devices very soon.

In past versions of Google Maps Uber was included in a big list of travel routes. However, now car services will be listed in a Taxi tab within the mobile app.

Google's new tab will make it a viable option for planning a trip. People going on a weekend getaway or summer vacation can stay in the Maps app instead of using a different one to find a taxi service.  

Google engineer Holger Flier explains that the app will help people to compare options to figure out the fastest way to get to places, such as when meeting a friend or relative for dinner. This builds on recent new features including the options to book a table at restaurants, or read and post reviews.

In addition, adding the new Taxi tab helps the tech company become a top resource for transportation services. It could aid the company in developing its autonomous vehicle (AV) car fleet to take on services such as GM and Lyft's Express Drive auto rentals.  

Google has already invested money in Uber. However, as it develops robotic cars and expands its business, adding more ride-sharing services will help it to compete better with the transportation startup company in the future.

In related news Uber just launched its food delivery app called UberEATS in the first United States cities, according to Wired. It now includes Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Houston.

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