Expansion of Waymo's Robotaxi Testing Program to Include Denver and Seattle Cities
Waymo Expands Robotaxi Services to New Markets
In a significant move, Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet, is expanding its robotaxi services to 10 new markets by the end of 2025. The company, which already operates commercial services in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta, has begun testing in Denver, Colorado, and Seattle, Washington.
One of the most challenging markets for Waymo is New York City, where it is currently testing after securing necessary permits last month. The company is seeking regulatory approval to offer fully autonomous rides in the city.
The testing phase in both Denver and Seattle will initially involve human safety drivers overseeing the vehicles' steering and braking. The test fleet in each city will consist of up to 12 vehicles, with some being all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUVs and others being Geely's Zeekr autonomous vans.
Rides can be booked through the Waymo One app or the Uber app in select cities, as Waymo deepened its partnership with Uber by integrating its fleet into the ride-hailing giant's Atlanta and Austin operations in June. The organization plans to start robotaxi operations in Dallas, Miami, and Washington, D.C. next year.
Successfully navigating the unique challenges presented by variable weather conditions in Denver and Seattle, including snow, heavy rain, and strong winds, could be a critical milestone for scaling robotaxi operations in regions beyond fair-weather cities like Phoenix. Waymo aims to validate its technology and operations under local driving conditions before offering fully autonomous rides.
The expansion of Waymo's robotaxi services marks a significant step forward in the development and commercialization of autonomous vehicles. The company's commitment to safety, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships positions it well for continued growth in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle market.
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