Waymo Is Expanding to Denver and Seattle. Everything to Know About the Robotaxi | Insights by Willow Ventures

Self-Driving Cars: The Autonomy Revolution

Once relegated to the realm of science fiction, self-driving cars are becoming a tangible reality. Companies like Waymo, the autonomous branch of Alphabet, are leading the charge by expanding their services into new cities.

Waymo’s Expansion Plans

Recently, Waymo announced its plans to launch in Denver this upcoming fall, aiming to establish a fully autonomous service in the future. The firm is also gearing up to expand to Seattle. Notably, Waymo has obtained authorization to operate fully autonomously at San José Mineta International Airport, marking it as California’s first airport to allow Waymo rides to its terminals.

Accelerated Commercial Expansion

In an August 29 blog post, Waymo indicated they are entering a new phase of quicker commercial expansion. After receiving a permit in August from New York City for testing autonomous vehicles, Waymo initiated data collection in Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn, adhering to the city’s extensive safety guidelines.

Safety First: Community Assurance

NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasized the importance of safety in their commands for testing. “These requirements ensure that our city’s shared streets are safe for everyone,” he stated.

Current Operations and Future Prospects

Waymo already operates fully autonomous rides in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Austin, Texas, utilizing the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace. Rides can be ordered through the Waymo One app or Uber, depending on the region. Plans are in place to commence operations in Washington, DC, and Miami by 2026, with an expansion into Tokyo also on the horizon.

Dallas and Philadelphia Ventures

Waymo is currently conducting testing in Dallas, in a partnership with Avis Budget Group to manage the fleet, aiming for public rides next year. In Philadelphia, limited testing with human drivers is ongoing in complex areas without imminent plans for a full robotaxi service.

Waymo’s Manufacturing Growth

In May, Waymo announced the opening of a 239,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Phoenix. This expansion aims to augment its fleet with an additional 2,000 Jaguar I-Pace vehicles and integrates its new sixth-generation self-driving technology.

Operation Cities: How to Hail a Waymo Ride

Phoenix

Phoenix was the first city to offer fully autonomous Waymo rides, initiating this service in 2020. To hail a ride, download the Waymo One app on iOS or Android. The service operates around the clock.

Uber users can also request a Waymo vehicle in Phoenix through the app, with the option to have meals delivered via autonomous vehicles.

San Francisco Bay Area

Waymo launched fully autonomous rides in San Francisco in late 2022, removing their waitlist to allow immediate access via the Waymo One app. Operating also 24/7, they expanded their range into the San Francisco Peninsula, including communities like Mountain View and Palo Alto.

Los Angeles County

In Los Angeles, Waymo has opened its services to the public without a waitlist, covering nearly 120 square miles, inclusive of Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. As of now, there’s no Uber partnership in this area.

Austin and Atlanta

Austin covers 90 square miles of riding scenarios, while Waymo vehicles can only be accessed in Atlanta through the Uber app. Both cities allow riders to request a Waymo vehicle at no extra cost.

Looking Ahead: Future Expansions

New Cities on the Horizon

Waymo is making strides in several cities:

• Denver: Set to begin operations in Fall 2025.
• Seattle: Service to launch after extensive local research.
• Dallas: Early testing is underway with a public launch planned for next year.
• New York City: Currently testing with a human driver, focusing on Manhattan and Brooklyn.

International Expansion: Tokyo

Waymo’s entrance into Tokyo aims to adapt its technology to local conditions through managed services with local drivers.

Drive Toward the Future with Waymo

Waymo’s commitment to safety is evident in its Safety Impact report, showcasing significantly lower crash rates compared to human drivers. As Waymo continues to innovate and expand its fleet, it promises to transform urban mobility.