Waymo’s Robotaxis Just Launched in 4 New Cities—Is Yours on the List?

Waymo now operates in 10 cities as its autonomous vehicles aim for 1 million rides per week by the end of this year.

BY CHLOE AIELLO, REPORTER @CHLOBO_ILO

Waymo’s autonomous taxi service has expanded into four new U.S. cities, bringing the total to 10. Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando are the newest additions, as Waymo seeks to ramp up its service to more than 1 million rides per week by the close of the year.

“Each community has its own unique charm and transportation needs, and we’re eager to provide a safe, reliable, and magical way for locals and visitors to travel,” Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, said in a statement, adding that the markets are “critical to our plans, as we lay groundwork for service in 20+ cities.” 

The four cities join Waymo’s existing markets of Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay area.

Waymo announced in a blog post that rides kick off in the four new markets on Tuesday for select riders who have the Waymo app downloaded. Other riders will be invited to use the service on a rolling basis as it ramps up in preparation of opening fully to the public later in the year.

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“We’ll continue to follow our market entry playbook, always leading with safety, and continue to engage the community to earn trust and generate excitement to ride,” the blog notes.

Several community leaders from the new markets sounded off about the update.

“I am a big fan of Waymo and have ridden in them many times on the West Coast—it is a fun and futuristic experience,” Houston city council member Sallie Alcorn said in a statement. “I’m thrilled that we are now launching limited access public rides here in Houston.”

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