Waymo Expands Self-Driving Service Across California
▼ Summary
– Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service area in San Francisco and Los Angeles, adding cities like Brisbane, Palo Alto, and Echo Park starting mid-June.
– The company’s coverage area in California will grow by 80 square miles, reaching a total of 250 square miles across its markets.
– Waymo recently hit 10 million paid rides and now serves 250,000 weekly rides in SF, LA, Austin, and Phoenix.
– Waymo operates exclusively through its app in California but partners with Uber in Austin and soon Atlanta for ride availability.
– Waymo plans to more than double its fleet from 1,500 to 3,500 Jaguar I-Pace SUVs by 2026 across its four main markets.
Waymo is steadily increasing its autonomous vehicle footprint across California, bringing its driverless taxi service to new neighborhoods in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The expansion marks another strategic step for the company as it competes in the rapidly evolving mobility sector.
Beginning June 17th, residents and visitors in Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, and Burlingame will gain access to Waymo’s robotaxi service. The rollout also extends to Palo Alto and Menlo Park, expanding options for Silicon Valley commuters. Meanwhile, Los Angeles will see service launch on June 18th in areas including Playa del Rey, Ladera Heights, Echo Park, Silver Lake, and along Sunset Boulevard. This follows a temporary suspension after recent vandalism incidents involving protesters.
The latest expansion adds 80 square miles to Waymo’s operational territory, pushing its total California coverage to 250 square miles. The company recently celebrated 10 million paid rides across its four active markets, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Phoenix, with current weekly ridership exceeding 250,000 trips. Notably, Waymo removed its waitlist system in San Francisco last June and followed suit in Los Angeles by November 2024.
Unlike other markets where Waymo partners with Uber, California riders must use the dedicated Waymo One app to book autonomous rides. The company is simultaneously scaling its fleet, with plans to grow from 1,500 Jaguar I-Pace SUVs to 3,500 vehicles by 2026. This aggressive expansion reflects growing confidence in autonomous technology despite regulatory and public acceptance challenges.
As urban mobility continues shifting toward automation, Waymo’s measured approach demonstrates how gradual service improvements can build both operational experience and public trust. The company’s focus on high-demand metropolitan areas positions it as a leader in redefining how people move through cities.
(Source: The Verge)
