Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service Across Cities and Partners for Global Growth

Waymo, the autonomous driving unit of Alphabet, is accelerating the rollout of its robotaxi service across multiple cities in the United States and internationally. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the transition of self-driving cars from futuristic concepts to practical, real-world transportation options.

Currently, Waymo operates fully autonomous rides in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, Texas, with plans to launch services in Washington, DC, and Miami by 2026. The company has also announced its first international venture in Tokyo, partnering with local taxi services to adapt its technology to Japanese roads.

Waymo’s collaboration with Uber enables users in cities like Austin and Atlanta to hail robotaxis directly through the Uber app, removing the need for a separate application and broadening access to autonomous rides. In Phoenix, autonomous vehicles also deliver Uber Eats orders, showcasing the versatility of self-driving technology.

The fleet primarily consists of all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, with plans to introduce Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 SUVs equipped with Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving technology. This next-gen system features smarter sensors designed to improve navigation in challenging weather conditions and offers enhanced passenger comfort.

Safety remains a top priority for Waymo. Despite some high-profile incidents, the company reports that its autonomous driving technology reduces crash risks significantly compared to human drivers, with 3.5 times fewer injury-causing crashes and twice fewer police-reported collisions in key markets. Waymo also maintains transparency through a public data hub detailing safety improvements.

Looking ahead, Waymo is testing fully autonomous freeway driving and plans to integrate its technology into personally owned vehicles through a collaboration with Toyota. While the company is currently focusing on ride-hailing services, its advancements in autonomous driving will also benefit future trucking applications.

For consumers, Waymo’s robotaxi service is accessible via the Waymo One app in most cities, with 24/7 availability and seamless ride-hailing experiences. The Uber partnership further simplifies access in select markets, offering riders the option to choose autonomous vehicles without additional costs.

Waymo’s expansion reflects broader trends in smart mobility and autonomous vehicle adoption, signaling transformative opportunities for urban transportation, logistics, and environmental sustainability. As the technology matures, it promises to reshape how cities manage traffic, reduce emissions, and improve road safety.