Waymo and Avis Gear Up for Dallas Robotaxi Launch

In a strategic move set to reshape urban mobility, Waymo revealed plans to launch its robotaxi service in Dallas next year in partnership with Avis Budget Group. This collaboration marks the first time a leading rental car operator steps in to manage an autonomous fleet, handling everything from charging to routine maintenance.

Driving Efficiency with Avis

Avis will oversee general depot operations for Waymo’s all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. By leveraging Avis’s expertise in fleet management, Waymo expects to ramp up its services more rapidly and cost-effectively than before. Users will continue to hail rides through the familiar Waymo app, enjoying a seamless autonomous experience.

• Charging infrastructure management
• Preventive maintenance and repairs
• Depot logistics and vehicle rotation

“Avis will play a large role in helping us scale our technology to new markets faster,” said Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli. Beyond Dallas, both companies anticipate expanding this model into additional cities.

From Road Trips to Robotaxis

Earlier this year, Waymo conducted sensor-rich mapping in Dallas, laying the groundwork for on-street testing with human safety operators. As with San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, the company will gradually remove safety drivers once its autonomous system proves reliable on local roads.

Waymo currently offers commercial service in five U.S. markets, and it’s poised to add Washington, D.C., and Miami next year. Avis Budget Group CEO Brian Choi calls the alliance “a pivotal milestone,” transitioning Avis from rental cars to a mobility infrastructure leader.

Scaling Autonomy Across Cities

By tapping established operators like Avis, Waymo reduces the overhead of building new service centers. This partnership exemplifies how autonomous mobility companies can accelerate rollouts by outsourcing non-differentiating tasks while focusing on core technology.

• Faster market entry with existing infrastructure
• Lower capital expenditure through shared resources
• Focus on sensor fusion and ride experience

As urban centers seek to reduce congestion and emissions, partnerships like Waymo and Avis offer a blueprint for scalable, green transportation. Companies and cities alike can draw insight from this model to accelerate their own autonomous initiatives.