Robotaxis from Waymo to Begin Testing in Denver and Seattle
Waymo Expands Robotaxi Testing and Services in U.S. Cities
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle arm of Alphabet, is taking a significant step forward in its mission to bring autonomous ride-hailing to more cities in the U.S. The company is currently testing its robotaxis in Denver, Colorado, and Seattle, Washington, with plans to roll out fully autonomous rides, pending regulatory approval.
The testing phase in both cities will begin with human safety drivers overseeing the vehicles' steering and braking. This is a critical milestone for scaling robotaxi operations in regions beyond fair-weather cities like Phoenix, where Waymo has been testing its technology since 2017.
Denver and Seattle present unique challenges due to variable weather, including snow, heavy rain, and strong winds. Successfully navigating these conditions would be a significant achievement for Waymo's autonomous vehicles. The company has secured permits to test in New York City, one of the most challenging markets in the U.S., further demonstrating its commitment to pushing the boundaries of autonomous technology.
Waymo added Phoenix, Arizona, to its robotaxi testing cities in the U.S. in 2021. The company currently operates in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta. Waymo deepened its partnership with Uber by integrating its fleet into the ride-hailing giant's Atlanta and Austin operations in June.
As part of a broader strategy, Waymo is expanding its Waymo One service to more U.S. cities. Rides are available through the Waymo One app or, in select cities, via the Uber app. Additional launches are planned in Dallas, Miami, and Washington, D.C. The test fleet in each city will consist of up to 12 vehicles, including all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUVs and Geely's Zeekr autonomous vans.
Waymo aims to enter 10 new markets by the end of 2025. This latest step is a significant stride towards achieving this goal. The company's ultimate objective is to validate its technology and operations under local driving conditions in Denver and Seattle, paving the way for a wider rollout of autonomous ride-hailing services across the U.S.
