Waymo Expands Self-Driving Car Services Across US Cities and Internationally

Waymo, the autonomous driving division of Alphabet, is steadily transforming self-driving cars from science fiction into everyday reality. Currently operating fully autonomous rides in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, Waymo is expanding its footprint with upcoming launches in Atlanta, Washington DC, Miami, and internationally in Tokyo. These expansions are supported by strategic partnerships and technological advancements that are shaping the future of mobility.

Waymo’s collaboration with Uber enables riders in Phoenix, Austin, and soon Atlanta to hail autonomous vehicles directly through the Uber app without additional costs. This integration simplifies access to self-driving rides, allowing users to choose Waymo vehicles seamlessly alongside traditional rides. Additionally, Waymo’s own app, Waymo One, offers 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing services in several cities, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

The company is also investing heavily in manufacturing and technology upgrades. A new 239,000-square-foot factory near Phoenix will expand Waymo’s fleet by 2,000 fully autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. Future vehicles will incorporate Waymo’s sixth-generation self-driving technology, designed to improve navigation in challenging weather and road conditions. Partnerships with automakers like Toyota and Hyundai will integrate this advanced technology into new electric models such as the Zeekr RT and Ioniq 5 SUV, broadening the range of autonomous vehicles available to riders.

Safety remains a core focus for Waymo. The company’s data shows its autonomous vehicles have 85% fewer crashes involving serious injuries compared to human drivers, with significant reductions in incidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Despite some high-profile collisions, Waymo continuously updates its software and collaborates with regulators to ensure safe deployment. The launch in Tokyo will begin with manually driven vehicles to adapt the technology to local traffic conditions before fully autonomous rides become available.

Waymo’s expansion into new cities and international markets represents a significant step in mainstreaming autonomous vehicles. By integrating with popular ride-hailing platforms and advancing vehicle technology, Waymo is making self-driving cars more accessible and practical for everyday use. These developments promise to reshape urban transportation, reduce traffic accidents, and lower emissions through electric autonomous fleets.

How to Use Waymo’s Autonomous Ride Services

In Phoenix, the pioneer city for Waymo’s public autonomous rides, users can hail vehicles 24/7 via the Waymo One app or Uber app. The service also supports autonomous food delivery. San Francisco and Los Angeles offer 24/7 autonomous rides through the Waymo One app without a waitlist, with expanding coverage areas. Austin and Atlanta riders can access Waymo vehicles through Uber, with options to toggle autonomous rides on or off, ensuring rider comfort and choice.

• Download the Waymo One app or update Uber to access autonomous rides where available.
• Choose autonomous vehicles when requesting rides in supported cities without extra charges.
• Access 24/7 human support via app or vehicle screens for a safe and comfortable experience.
• Expect ongoing expansions and new vehicle models equipped with advanced autonomous technology.

The Broader Impact of Waymo’s Autonomous Expansion

Waymo’s growth highlights the accelerating adoption of AI-powered autonomous vehicles in urban environments. By reducing human error and increasing ride accessibility, these technologies have the potential to significantly lower traffic accidents and emissions. The integration of electric vehicles further supports environmental sustainability goals. As regulatory frameworks evolve alongside technological advances, Waymo’s model offers a blueprint for scalable, safe, and efficient autonomous transportation systems worldwide.