Waymo

{{short description|Autonomous car technology company}} {{Use American English|date=May 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Infobox company | name = Waymo LLC | logo = Waymo logo.svg | type = Subsidiary | industry = Autonomous cars | predecessor = Google Self-Driving Car Project | successor =  | founded = *{{Start date and age|2004}} (as Stanford Self-Driving Car Team) *{{Start date and age|January 17, 2009}} (as the Google Self-Driving Car Project) *{{Start date and age|2016|12|13}} (as Waymo) | founder = {{Plainlist| * Sebastian Thrun * Anthony Levandowski }} | defunct =  | hq_location_city = Mountain View, California | hq_location_country = United States | area_served = {{Plainlist| * United States * ''More information: {{section link|#Services}}''}} | key_people = {{Plainlist| * Dmitri Dolgov (co-CEO) * Tekedra Mawakana (co-CEO) }} | owner = {{Plainlist| * Google, Inc.<br/> (2009-2016) * Alphabet Inc.<br/> (2016-present) }} | num_employees = 2,500 (2025)<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Chow |first=Andrew R. |date=2025-06-26 |title=Waymo's Self-Driving Future Is Here |url=https://time.com/collections/time100-companies-2025/7289599/waymo/ |access-date=2025-08-13 |magazine=Time}}</ref> | website = {{URL|https://waymo.com}} }}

[[File:Waymo Chrysler Pacifica in Los Altos, 2017.jpg|thumb|Waymo Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid undergoing testing in the San Francisco Bay Area (2017)]]

'''Waymo LLC''' ({{IPAc-en|w|ei|m|ou}} {{respell|WAY|moh}}) is an American autonomous driving technology company headquartered in Mountain View, California. It is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company. {{As of|2026|March}}, Waymo operates public commercial robotaxi services in 10 US metropolitan areas, has over 3,700 robotaxis in service, provides 500,000 paid rides per week and had logged 200 million fully autonomous miles.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/08/waymo-paid-rides-robotaxi-tesla.html|title=Waymo crosses 450,000 weekly paid rides as Alphabet robotaxi unit widens lead on Tesla|first1=Jasmine|last1=Wu|first2=Deirdre|last2=Bosa|date=2025-12-08|access-date=2025-12-08|publisher=CNBC}}</ref>{{ r | Reuters_2026-02-03 }}<ref>{{cite web |title=Waymo issues recall to deal with a flooding problem |url=https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/12/waymo-issues-recall-to-deal-with-a-flooding-problem/ |publisher=TechCrunch |access-date=12 May 2026}}</ref>

The company traces its origins to the Stanford Racing Team, which competed in the 2005 and 2007 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Grand Challenges.<ref name="Guardian-2016" /> Google's development of self-driving technology began in January 2009 and the project was revealed in October 2010.<ref name="Google" group="‡" /><ref name="NYT2010" /><ref name="tc-levandowski" /> In December 2016, the project was renamed Waymo and spun out of Google as part of Alphabet.<ref name="journey" group="‡"/> In October 2020, Waymo became the first company to offer service to the public without safety drivers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Waymo launches its first commercial self-driving car service |work=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2018/12/05/waymo-one-launches/ |access-date=December 5, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=White |first=Joseph |date=October 8, 2020 |title=Waymo opens driverless robo-taxi service to the public in Phoenix |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-waymo-autonomous-phoenix-idUSKBN26T2Y3 |access-date=October 20, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2020 |title=Waymo Relaunches Driverless Ride Sharing |url=https://www.allaboutarizonanews.com/waymo-relaunches-driverless-ride-sharing/ |access-date=October 18, 2020 |website=All About Arizona News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Hawkins-2019">{{Cite web |last=Hawkins |first=Andrew J. |date=December 9, 2019 |title=Waymo's driverless car: ghost-riding in the back seat of a robot taxi |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/9/21000085/waymo-fully-driverless-car-self-driving-ride-hail-service-phoenix-arizona |website=The Verge}}</ref>

Waymo is run by co-CEOs Tekedra Mawakana and Dmitri Dolgov since April 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Waymo CEO John Krafcik steps aside as co-CEO's take over|url= https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/02/waymo-ceo-john-krafcik-steps-aside-as-co-ceos-take-over.html|access-date=April 2, 2021| publisher =CNBC|date=April 2, 2021}}</ref> The company raised $11 billion in multiple outside funding rounds by 2024. In February 2026, Waymo raised $16 billion, which valued the company at $126 billion.<ref name="cnbc-20260202" />

In January 2026, The National Transportation Safety Board and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened investigations into Waymo's robotaxis for recurring incidents of illegally passing stopped school buses, and one incident where a robotaxi hit a child who ran out from behind a parked SUV in a school zone.<ref name="Kolodny-2026b">{{Cite web|title=A Waymo hit a child near an elementary school. The NHTSA is investigating|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/29/waymo-nhtsa-crash-child-school.html|website=CNBC|date=2026-01-29|access-date=2026-02-01|language=en|first=Lora|last=Kolodny}}</ref><ref name="Shepardson-2026" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=NTSB opens investigation into Waymo robotaxis for improperly passing school buses in Texas - CBS News|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ntsb-investigation-waymo-robotaxis-passing-school-buses-austin-texas/|website=www.cbsnews.com|date=2026-01-23|access-date=2026-02-01|language=en-US}}</ref>

==History== [[File:Jurvetson Google driverless car trimmed.jpg|thumb|A Toyota Prius modified to operate as a Google driverless car, navigating a test course<ref group="‡">{{cite web |date=April 30, 2011 |title=The Test Driven Google Car |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDCwODblPMI&ab_channel=idels1 |access-date=April 30, 2011 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> (2011)]]

=== Ground work === Google's development of self-driving technology began on January 17, 2009,<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/johnkrafcik/status/1085944196186304512|title=Our #tenyearchallenge has been building the world's most experienced driver. Thanks to two visionary @Google characters for getting us started & to the @Waymo One riders in #Phoenix we're serving. HBD #Waymo pic.twitter.com/Ew4fdXjM7c|last1=Krafcik|first1=John|date=January 17, 2019|website=John Krafcik's official Twitter account|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123193629/https://twitter.com/johnkrafcik/status/1085944196186304512|archive-date=January 23, 2019|access-date=January 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> at Google X lab, run by Google co-founder Sergey Brin.<ref name="AP-16">{{cite news |title=Google's self-driving-car project becomes a separate company: Waymo |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-google-waymo-self-driving-20161213-story.html |agency=Associated Press |date=December 13, 2016 |access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref> The project was launched at Google by Sebastian Thrun, the former director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL) and Anthony Levandowski, founder of 510 Systems and Anthony's Robots.<ref name="IEEE-2014" /><ref name="Harris-2017">{{Cite magazine |last=Harris |first=Mark |date=Sep 27, 2017 |title=God Is a Bot, and Anthony Levandowski Is His Messenger {{!}} Backchannel |url=https://www.wired.com/story/god-is-a-bot-and-anthony-levandowski-is-his-messenger/ |access-date=2026-04-15 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref>

The initial software code and artificial intelligence (AI) design of the effort started before the team worked at Google, when Thrun and 15 engineers, including Dmitri Dolgov, Mike Montemerlo, Hendrik Dahlkamp, Sven Strohband, and David Stavens, built Stanley and Junior, Stanford's entries in the 2005 and 2007 DARPA Challenges. Later, aspects of this technology were used in a digital mapping project for SAIL called VuTool.<ref name="Higgins-2017">{{Cite news|last=Higgins|first=Jack Nicas and Tim|date=May 23, 2017|title=Google vs. Uber: How One Engineer Sparked a War|language=en-US|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-a-star-engineer-sparked-a-war-between-google-and-uber-1495556308|access-date=July 1, 2020|issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref name="Bloomberg.com-2017" /><ref name="NYT2010">{{cite news|author-link1=John Markoff|author-first1=John|author-last1=Markoff|date=October 9, 2010|title=Google Cars Drive Themselves, in Traffic|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/science/10google.html|access-date=October 11, 2010}}</ref> In 2007, Google acqui-hired the entire VuTool team to help advance Google's Street View technology.<ref name="Higgins-2017" /><ref name="Bloomberg.com-2017">{{Cite news|title=Fury Road: Did Uber Steal the Driverless Future From Google?|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-03-16/fury-road-did-uber-steal-the-driverless-future-from-google?sref=BeOevass|access-date=July 1, 2020|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date = March 16, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Google" group="‡">{{cite web |author=Thrun |first=Sebastian |date=October 9, 2010 |title=What we're driving at |url=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-were-driving-at.html |access-date=October 11, 2010 |publisher=The Official Google Blog}}</ref><ref name="Hull17">{{cite news |title=The PayPal Mafia of Self-Driving Cars Has Been at It a Decade |last1=Hull |first1=Dana |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-10-30/it-s-been-10-years-since-robots-proved-they-could-drive |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=October 30, 2017 |access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref>

As part of Street View development, 100 Toyota Priuses<ref name="Harris-2017" /> were outfitted with Topcon digital mapping hardware developed by 510 Systems.<ref name="Duhigg-2018">{{Cite magazine|last=Duhigg|first=Charles|title=Did Uber Steal Google's Intellectual Property?|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/10/22/did-uber-steal-googles-intellectual-property|access-date=July 1, 2020|magazine=The New Yorker|date=October 15, 2018|language=en-us}}</ref><ref name="Bloomberg.com-2017" /><ref name="Harris-2017" />

In 2008, the Street View team launched project Ground Truth,<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Miller|first=Greg|date=December 8, 2014|title=The Huge, Unseen Operation Behind the Accuracy of Google Maps|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/12/google-maps-ground-truth/|access-date=July 1, 2020|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> to create accurate road maps by extracting data from satellites and street views.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55a5a07ee4b0d4522cac0322/t/582f48d5f5e23137ed567a3d/1479493848415/GISday16_GoogleMaps.pdf | access-date=2023-11-06 | title=Project Ground Truth: Accurate Maps via Algorithms and Elbow Grease | first=Megan |last=Goddard}}</ref>

=== Pribot === In February 2008, a Discovery Channel producer for the documentary series ''Prototype This!'' phoned Levandowski.<ref name="Bloomberg.com-2017" /><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Bilger|first=Burkhard|title=Has the Self-Driving Car Arrived at Last?|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/11/25/auto-correct|access-date=July 1, 2020|magazine=The New Yorker|date=November 18, 2013|language=en-us}}</ref> The producer requested to borrow Levandowski's Ghost Rider, the autonomous two-wheeled motorcycle Levandowski's Berkeley team had built for the 2004 DARPA Grand Challenge<ref name="Guardian-2016">{{Cite web|date=August 19, 2016|title=How a robot lover pioneered the driverless car, and why he's selling his latest to Uber|url=http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/aug/19/self-driving-car-anthony-levandowski-uber-otto-google|access-date=July 1, 2020|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> that Levandowski had later donated to the Smithsonian.<ref>{{Cite web|title="Ghostrider" Robot Motorcycle|url=https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1332301|access-date=July 1, 2020|website=National Museum of American History|language=en}}</ref> Since the motorcycle was not available, Levandowski offered to retrofit a Toyota Prius as a self-driving pizza delivery car for the show.<ref name="Bloomberg.com-2017" />

As a Google employee, Levandowski asked Larry Page and Thrun whether Google was interested in participating in the show. Both declined, citing liability issues.<ref name="Guardian-2016" /> However, they authorized Levandowski to move forward with the project, as long as it was not associated with Google.<ref name="Bloomberg.com-2017" /><ref name="McCullagh-2008">{{Cite web|last=McCullagh|first=Declan|title=Robotic Prius takes itself for a spin around SF|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/robotic-prius-takes-itself-for-a-spin-around-sf/|access-date=July 1, 2020|publisher=CNET|language=en}}</ref> Within weeks Levandowski founded Anthony's Robots to do so.<ref name="Higgins-2017" /> He retrofitted the car with light detection and ranging (lidar) technology, sensors, and cameras. The Stanford team behind the Stanley car provided its code base to the project.<ref name="Guardian-2016" /> The ensuing episode depicting Pribot delivering pizza across the San Francisco Bay Bridge under police escort aired in December 2008.<ref name="Wired-2019">{{Cite magazine|title=How Anthony Levandowski Put Himself at the Center of an Industry|language=en-us|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/story/anthony-levandowski-put-himself-center-industry/|access-date=July 1, 2020|issn=1059-1028}}</ref><ref name="IEEE-2014">{{Cite web|title=The Unknown Start-up That Built Google's First Self-Driving Car|url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-unknown-startup-that-built-googles-first-selfdriving-car|access-date=July 1, 2020|website=IEEE Spectrum: Technology, Engineering, and Science News|date=November 19, 2014|language=en|quote=Though Google has portrayed Thrun as its "godfather" of self-driving, a review of the available evidence suggests that the motivating force behind the company's program was actually Levandowski}}</ref><ref name="McCullagh-2008" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Automated Pizza Delivery|url=https://www.discovery.com/shows/prototype-this/episodes/automated-pizza-delivery|access-date=July 1, 2020|website=Discovery|language=en}}</ref>

The project success led Google to greenlight Google's self-driving car program in January 2009.<ref name="Guardian-2016" /> In 2011, Google acquired 510 Systems (co-founded by Levandowski, Pierre-Yves Droz and Andrew Schultz), and Anthony's Robots for an estimated US$20 million.<ref name="Duhigg-2018" /><ref name="Higgins-2017" /><ref name="Wired-2019" /><ref name="IEEE-2014" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ohnsman |first=Alan |title=Anthony Levandowski, The Fallen Self-Driving Tech Star Who Triggered Waymo-Uber Legal Battle, Ordered To Pay Google $179 Million |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2020/03/05/anthony-levandowski-the-fallen-self-driving-tech-star-who-triggered-waymo-uber-legal-battle-ordered-to-pay-google-179-million/ |access-date=July 1, 2020 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> Levandowski's vehicle and hardware, and Stanford's AI technology and software, became the nucleus of the project.<ref name="Guardian-2016" /> thumb|A Firefly self-driving Waymo car (2017)

=== Project Chauffeur === After almost two years of road testing with seven vehicles, the ''New York Times'' revealed the existence of Google's project on October 9, 2010.<ref name="NYT2010" /> Google announced its initiative later the same day.<ref name="tc-levandowski">{{Cite web |date=March 20, 2020 |title=Anthony Levandowski pleads guilty to one count of trade secrets theft under plea deal |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/19/anthony-levandowski-pleads-guilty-to-one-count-of-trade-secrets-theft-under-plea-deal/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320163936/https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/19/anthony-levandowski-pleads-guilty-to-one-count-of-trade-secrets-theft-under-plea-deal/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref>

Starting in 2010, lawmakers in various states expressed concerns over how to regulate autonomous vehicles. A related Nevada law went into effect on March 1, 2012.<ref name="1stLicense">{{cite news |author-last1=Slosson |author-first1=Mary |date=May 8, 2012 |title=Google gets first self-driven car license in Nevada |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-nevada-google-idUSLNE84701320120508 |access-date=May 9, 2012 |work=Reuters}}</ref> Google had been lobbying for such laws.<ref name="GCC0611">{{cite web |date=June 25, 2011 |title=Nevada enacts law authorizing autonomous (driverless) vehicles |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2011/06/ab511-20110625.html |access-date=June 25, 2011 |publisher=Green Car Congress}}</ref><ref name="Forbes0611">{{cite news |author-last1=Knapp |author-first1=Alex |date=June 22, 2011 |title=Nevada Passes Law Authorizing Driverless Cars |url=https://blogs.forbes.com/alexknapp/2011/06/22/nevada-passes-law-authorizing-driverless-cars/ |access-date=June 25, 2011 |work=Forbes}}</ref><ref name="NYT0511">{{cite news |author-last1=Markoff |author-first1=John |date=May 10, 2011 |title=Google Lobbies Nevada To Allow Self-Driving Cars |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/11/science/11drive.html?_r=1&emc=eta1 |access-date=May 11, 2011 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> A modified Prius was licensed by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in May 2012. The car was "driven" by Chris Urmson with Levandowski in the passenger seat.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Harris|first=Mark|title=How Google's Autonomous Car Passed the First U.S. State Self-Driving Test|url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/how-googles-autonomous-car-passed-the-first-us-state-selfdriving-test|access-date=July 1, 2020|website=IEEE Spectrum: Technology, Engineering, and Science News|date=September 10, 2014|language=en}}</ref> This was the first US license for a self-driven car.<ref name="1stLicense" />

In January 2014<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Davies |author-first1=Billy |date=January 24, 2014 |title=The future of urban transport: The self-driving car club |url=http://www.zodiacmedia.co.uk/blog/the-future-of-urban-transport-the-self-driving-car-club |access-date=January 24, 2014 |work=zodiacmedia.co.uk}}</ref> Google was granted a patent for a transportation service funded by advertising that included autonomous vehicles as a transport method.<ref>{{cite patent|country=US|number=8630897 B1|title=Transportation-aware physical advertising conversions|status=patent|pubdate=2014-01-14|fdate=2014-01-11|invent1=Luis Ricardo Prada Gomez|invent2=Andrew Timothy Szybalski Sebastian Thrun|invent3=Philip Nemec|invent4=Christopher Paul Urmson|assign1=Google Inc}}</ref> In late May, Google revealed an autonomous prototype, which had no steering wheel, gas pedal, or brake pedal.<ref group="‡">{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqSDWoAhvLU&list=PLcNF6Ihx2JoUoNKe4PxLqEcZMM0QW2yG- |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/CqSDWoAhvLU |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=A First Drive|date=May 27, 2014|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author-last1=Gannes |author-first1=Liz |date=May 27, 2014 |title=Google Introduces New Self Driving Car at the Code Conference – Re/code |url=http://recode.net/2014/05/27/googles-new-self-driving-car-ditches-the-steering-wheel/ |work=Re/code}}</ref> In December, Google unveiled a Firefly prototype that was planned to be tested on San Francisco Bay Area roads beginning in early 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27190285/googles-goofy-new-self-driving-car-sign-things |title=Google's 'goofy' new self-driving car a sign of things to come |work=Mercury News |date=December 22, 2014 |access-date=December 22, 2014|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="Lynch17">{{cite news |title=Waymo retires Firefly test cars, focuses on Pacificas |last1=Lynch |first1=Jim |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/mobility/2017/06/13/waymo-retires-firefly-test-cars-focuses-pacificas/102818318/ |newspaper=The Detroit News |date=June 13, 2017 |access-date=June 27, 2018}}</ref> thumb|A self-driving car with the previous Google branding (2016)In 2015, Levandowski left the project. In August 2015, Google hired former Hyundai Motor executive, John Krafcik, as CEO.<ref name="nyt-spinoff">{{Cite news|last=Wakabayashi|first=Daisuke|date=December 13, 2016|title=Google Parent Company Spins Off Self-Driving Car Business|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/13/technology/google-parent-company-spins-off-waymo-self-driving-car-business.html|access-date=June 30, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In fall 2015, Google for the first time to non-employees provided a ride in a fully autonomous vehicle in Austin, Texas. The passenger was a blind man. It was the first entirely autonomous trip on a public road. It was not accompanied by a test driver or police escort.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Halsey III |first1=Ashley |last2=Laris |first2=Michael |date=December 13, 2016 |title=Blind man sets out alone in Google's driverless car |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/blind-man-sets-out-alone-in-googles-driverless-car/2016/12/13/f523ef42-c13d-11e6-8422-eac61c0ef74d_story.html |access-date=July 2, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref name="Davies17">{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Lex |date=November 7, 2017 |title=Wymo has taken the human out of its self-driving cars |newspaper=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/story/waymo-google-arizona-phoenix-driverless-self-driving-cars/ |access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref> The car had no steering wheel or floor pedals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/life/2016/12/blind-man-rides-self-driving-google-car-by-himself |title=Google Confirms First Ever Driverless Self-Driving Car Ride |first=Debbie |last=Encalada |publisher=Complex Media |date=December 14, 2016}}</ref> By the end of 2015, Project Chauffeur had covered more than a million miles.<ref name="Duhigg-2018" />

Google spent $1.1 billion on the project between 2009 and 2015. For comparison, the acquisition of Cruise Automation by General Motors in March 2016 was for $500 million, and Uber's acquisition of Otto in August 2016 was for $680 million.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Harris |author-first1=Mark |date=September 15, 2017 |title=Google Has Spent Over $1.1 Billion on Self-Driving Tech |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/google-has-spent-over-11-billion-on-selfdriving-tech |work=IEEE spectrum}}</ref>

=== Waymo === In May 2016, Google and Stellantis announced an order of 100 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans to test the self-driving technology.<ref name="Ebhardt16">{{cite news |author-first1=Tommaso |author-last1=Ebhardt |date=May 3, 2016 |title=Fiat, Google Plan Partnership on Self-Driving Minivans |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-03/fiat-google-said-to-plan-partnership-on-self-driving-minivans}}</ref> In December 2016, the project changed its name to Waymo and spun out of Google as part of Alphabet.<ref name="journey" group="‡">{{Cite web |title=Journey |url=https://waymo.com/journey/ |website=Waymo}}</ref> The name was derived from "a new way forward in mobility".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Etherington |first1=Darrell |last2=Kolodny |first2=Lora |title=Google's self-driving car unit becomes Waymo |date=December 13, 2016 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/13/googles-self-driving-car-unit-spins-out-as-waymo/}}</ref> In May 2016, the company opened a {{Convert|53000|sqft|abbr=out|adj=on}} technology center in Novi, Michigan.<ref name="michigan-winter" group="‡">{{Cite web |last=Krafcik |first=John |date=October 27, 2017 |title=Michigan is Waymo's winter wonderland |url=https://medium.com/waymo/michigan-is-waymos-winter-wonderland-9b3cffbb9bab |access-date=September 15, 2018 |website=Medium.com}}</ref>

In February 2017, Waymo sued Uber and its subsidiary self-driving trucking company, Otto, alleging trade secret theft and patent infringement. The company claimed that three ex-Google employees, including Anthony Levandowski, had stolen trade secrets, including thousands of files, from Google before joining Uber.<ref name="Wakabayashi">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/09/technology/uber-waymo-lawsuit-driverless.html|title=Uber and Waymo Settle Trade Secrets Suit Over Driverless Cars|last=Wakabayashi|first=Daisuke|date=February 9, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 23, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The alleged infringement was related to Waymo's proprietary lidar technology,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tsi.brooklaw.edu/cases/waymo-llc-v-uber-technologies-inc-ottomotto-llc-otto-trucking-llc|title=Waymo LLC v. Uber Technologies, Inc; Ottomotto LLC; Otto Trucking LLC|website=Trade Secrets Institute|publisher=Brook law|access-date=March 18, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/02/23/technology/document-waymo-uber-complaint.html|title=Waymo's Complaint Against Uber|date=February 23, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 18, 2017|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Google accused Uber of colluding with Levandowski.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/30/technology/waymo-uber-lawsuit.html|title=Secrets or Knowledge? Uber-Waymo Trial Tests Silicon Valley Culture|date=January 30, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=June 4, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Levandowski allegedly downloaded 9 gigabytes of data that included over a hundred trade secrets; eight of which were at stake during the trial.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/8/16993208/waymo-v-uber-trial-trade-secrets-lidar|title=I'm not so sure Waymo's going to win against Uber|work=The Verge|access-date=June 4, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Larson18">{{cite web |url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/02/07/technology/waymo-v-uber-technology/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207200247/http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/07/technology/waymo-v-uber-technology/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 7, 2018|title=The tech at the center of the Waymo vs. Uber trade secrets case|first=Selena|last=Larson|date=February 7, 2018|publisher=CNN|access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref> An ensuing settlement gave Waymo 0.34% of Uber stock,<ref name="Wakabayashi" /> the equivalent of $245 million. Uber agreed not to infringe Waymo's intellectual property.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Farivar|first1=Cyrus|title=Silicon Valley's most-watched trial ends as Waymo and Uber settle|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/02/waymo-and-uber-end-trial-with-sudden-244-million-settlement/|access-date=February 9, 2018|work=Ars Technica|date=February 9, 2018}}</ref> Part of the agreement included a guarantee that "Waymo confidential information is not being incorporated in Uber Advanced Technologies Group hardware and software."{{Sfn | Larson | 2018}} In statements released after the settlement, Uber maintained that it received no trade secrets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-uber-waymo-settlement-20180209-story.html|title=Uber reaches settlement with Waymo in dispute over trade secrets|last1=Lien|first1=Russ|last2=Mitchell|first2=Tracey|website=Los Angeles Times|date=February 10, 2018|access-date=June 4, 2018}}</ref> In May, according to an Uber spokesman, Uber had fired Levandowski, which resulted in the loss of roughly $250 million of his equity in Uber, which almost exactly equaled the settlement.<ref name="Wakabayashi" /> Uber announced that it was halting production of self-driving trucks through Otto in July 2018, and the subsidiary company was shuttered.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Korosec|first=Kirsten|date=July 30, 2018|title=Uber's self-driving trucks division is dead, long live Uber self-driving cars|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/30/ubers-self-driving-trucks-division-is-dead-long-live-uber-self-driving-cars/|access-date=2022-12-31|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2020, Levandowski pled guilty to one of 33 charges, and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.<ref name=TechCrunch_202-08-04>{{Cite web|title=Anthony Levandowski sentenced to 18 months in prison, as new $4B lawsuit against Uber is filed|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/08/04/anthony-levandowski-sentenced-to-18-months-in-prison-as-new-4b-lawsuit-against-uber-is-filed/|access-date=2020-08-05|website=TechCrunch|date=August 4, 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Waymo began testing minivans without a safety driver on public roads in Chandler, Arizona, in October 2017.<ref name="Randazzo18">{{cite news |title=Waymo to start driverless ride sharing in Phoenix area this year |last1=Randazzo |first1=Ryan |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/tech/2018/01/30/waymo-start-driverless-ride-sharing-phoenix-area-year/1078466001/ |newspaper=Arizona Republic |date=January 30, 2018 |access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref> In 2017, Waymo unveiled new sensors and chips that are less expensive to manufacture, cameras that improve visibility, and wipers to clear the lidar system.<ref name="Bergen17">{{Cite web |last=Bergen |first=Mark |date=May 16, 2017 |title=Waymo Tests Hardware to Ease Passenger Fears of Driverless Cars |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-16/waymo-s-next-challenge-making-driverless-passengers-feels-safe |access-date=June 13, 2018 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P.}}</ref> At the beginning of the self-driving car program, they used a $75,000 lidar system from Velodyne.<ref name="Adams17">{{cite web |author-last1=Adams |author-first1=Dallon |date=April 26, 2017 |title=Everything you need to know about Waymo's self-driving car project |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/everything-you-need-to-know-waymo/ |access-date=June 13, 2018 |publisher=Digital Trends}}</ref> In 2017, the cost decreased approximately 90 percent, as Waymo converted to in-house built lidar.<ref name="Amadeo17">{{cite web |author-last1=Amadeo |author-first1=Ron |date=January 9, 2017 |title=Google's Waymo invests in LIDAR technology, cuts costs by 90 percent |url=https://arstechnica.com/cars/2017/01/googles-waymo-invests-in-lidar-technology-cuts-costs-by-90-percent/ |access-date=June 13, 2018 |publisher=Ars Technica}}</ref> Waymo has applied its technology to various cars including the Prius, Audi TT, Chrysler Pacifica, and Lexus RX450h.<ref name="Wired2012">{{cite magazine |author-first1=Damon |author-last1=Lavrinc |date=April 16, 2012 |title=Exclusive: Google Expands Its Autonomous Fleet With Hybrid Lexus RX450h |url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/04/google-autonomous-lexus-rx450h/ |magazine=Wired |access-date=April 24, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Gibbs-2017">{{Cite news |last=Gibbs |first=Samuel |date=November 7, 2017 |title=Google sibling Waymo launches fully autonomous ride-hailing service |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/07/google-waymo-announces-fully-autonomous-ride-hailing-service-uber-alphabet |access-date=December 3, 2017 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Waymo partners with Lyft on pilot projects and product development.<ref name="Isaac17">{{cite news |last1=Isaac |first1=Mike |date=May 14, 2017 |title=Lyft and Waymo Reach Deal to Collaborate on Self-Driving Cars |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/14/technology/lyft-waymo-self-driving-cars.html |access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref>

Waymo started testing in Phoenix without safety drivers in November 2017.<ref name="Hawkins17">{{cite web |author-first1=Andrew J.|author-last1=Hawkins|date=November 7, 2017|title=Waymo is first to put fully self-driving cars on US roads without a safety driver|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/11/7/16615290/waymo-self-driving-safety-driver-chandler-autonomous|access-date=June 13, 2018|publisher=The Verge}}</ref>

thumb|Waymo-operated Jaguar I-Pace in San Francisco (2023)

In March 2018, Jaguar Land Rover announced that Waymo had ordered up to 20,000 of its I-Pace electric SUVs at an estimated cost of more than $1 billion.<ref name="Higgins18">{{cite news |last1=Higgins |first1=Tim |last2=Dawson |first2=Chester |date=March 27, 2018 |title=Waymo Orders Up to 20,000 Jaguar SUVs for Driverless Fleet |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/waymo-orders-up-to-20-000-jaguar-suvs-for-driverless-fleet-1522159944 |access-date=June 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |date=March 27, 2018 |title=Jaguar to supply 20,000 cars to Google's self-driving spin-off Waymo |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/27/waymo-self-driving-taxis-jaguar-land-rover |access-date=March 28, 2018 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref> In late May 2018, Alphabet announced plans to add up to 62,000 Pacifica Hybrid minivans to the fleet.<ref name="Hawkins18">{{cite web |author-last1=Hawkins |author-first1=Andrew J. |date=January 30, 2018 |title=Waymo strikes a deal to buy 'thousands' more self-driving minivans from Fiat Chrysler |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/30/16948356/waymo-google-fiat-chrysler-pacfica-minivan-self-driving |access-date=June 13, 2018 |publisher=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=della Cava |first1=Marco |title=Waymo will add up to 62,000 FCA minivans to self-driving fleet |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/talkingtech/2018/05/31/waymo-add-up-62-000-fca-minivans-self-driving-fleet/659160002/ |access-date=June 1, 2018 |website=USA Today |language=en}}</ref> Also in May 2018, Waymo established Huimo Business Consulting subsidiary in Shanghai.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bergen |first1=Mark |last2=Spears |first2=Lee |date=August 24, 2018 |title=Waymo's Shanghai Subsidiary Gives Alphabet Another Route Back to China |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-23/waymo-forms-china-subsidiary-as-parent-alphabet-eyes-return |access-date=August 24, 2018}}</ref>

In October 2018, the California Department of Motor Vehicles issued a permit for Waymo to operate cars without safety drivers. Waymo was the first company to receive a permit for day and night testing on public roads and highways. Waymo announced that its service would include Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, and Palo Alto.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/30/18044670/waymo-fully-driverless-car-permit-california-dmv|title=Waymo gets the green light to test fully driverless cars in California|work=The Verge|access-date=November 1, 2018}}</ref> In July 2019, Waymo received permission to transport passengers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/07/02/waymo-is-now-allowed-to-transport-passengers-in-its-self-driving-vehicles-on-california-roads/|title=Waymo is now allowed to transport passengers in its self-driving vehicles on California roads|website=TechCrunch|date=July 2, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=September 25, 2019}}</ref>

In December 2018, Waymo launched Waymo One in Phoenix, transporting passengers. The service used safety drivers to monitor some rides, with others provided in select areas without them. In November 2019, Waymo One became the first autonomous service worldwide to operate without safety drivers.<ref name="ars-201911">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Timothy |date=November 2, 2019 |title=Waymo let a reporter ride in a fully driverless car – Waymo has been touting fully driverless operation for almost two years. |url=https://arstechnica.com/cars/2019/11/waymo-finally-let-a-reporter-ride-in-a-fully-driverless-car/ |access-date=August 5, 2020 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref name="Hawkins-2019" /><ref name="vox-2020-02">{{Cite web |last=Piper |first=Kelsey |date=February 28, 2020 |title=It's 2020. Where are our self-driving cars? – In the age of AI advances, self-driving cars turned out to be harder than people expected. |url=https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/2/14/21063487/self-driving-cars-autonomous-vehicles-waymo-cruise-uber |access-date=September 14, 2020 |website=Vox}}</ref> Waymo One launched in San Francisco, beginning with a "trusted tester" rollout.<ref name="sf-08021">{{Cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=August 25, 2021 |title=Waymo expands to San Francisco with public self-driving test – Confidential testing starts in SF, featuring Waymo's 5th-gen Jaguar I-Pace cars. |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/08/waymo-expands-to-san-francisco-with-public-self-driving-test/ |access-date=August 26, 2021 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref> In March 2022, Waymo began offering rides for Waymo staff in San Francisco without a safety driver.<ref name="sf-03022">{{Cite news |last1=Grant |first1=Nico |last2=Ludlow |first2=Edward |date=March 30, 2022 |title=Waymo, Chasing Cruise, Plans Fully Driverless Rides in San Francisco |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-30/google-s-waymo-to-offer-public-fully-driverless-rides-in-san-francisco |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Bloomberg News}}</ref>

In April 2019, Waymo announced plans for vehicle assembly in Detroit at the former American Axle & Manufacturing plant, bringing between 100 and 400 jobs to the area. Waymo used vehicle assembler Magna to turn Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans into Waymo Level 4 autonomous vehicles.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-waymo-selfdriving-idUSKCN1RZ1IZ|title=Waymo picks Detroit factory for self-driving fleet, to be operational by mid-2019|last=Sage|first=Alexandria|date=April 23, 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=April 23, 2019|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/04/23/waymo-picks-detroit-factory-to-build-self-driving-cars/|title=Waymo picks Detroit factory to build self-driving cars|last=Korosec|first=Kirsten|website=TechCrunch|date=April 23, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=April 23, 2019}}</ref> Waymo subsequently reverted to retrofitting existing models rather than a custom design.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2019/08/19/google-spin-out-waymo-rules-building-self-driving-cars/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2019/08/19/google-spin-out-waymo-rules-building-self-driving-cars/ |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Google spin-out Waymo rules out building its own self-driving cars|last=Rudgard|first=Olivia|date=August 19, 2019|work=The Telegraph|access-date=August 20, 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== 2020s === In March 2020, Waymo Via was launched after the company's announcement that it had raised $2.25 billion from investors.<ref name="cnbc-waymovia-2020-03">{{Cite web |last=LeBeau |first=Phil |date=March 2, 2020 |title=Waymo launches delivery service after raising $2.25 billion |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/02/waymo-launches-delivery-service-after-raising-2point25-billion.html |access-date=March 3, 2020 |publisher=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> In May 2020, Waymo raised an additional $750 million.<ref name="funding-fool">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Daniel |date=May 13, 2020 |title=Waymo Drives an Additional $750 million in Funding |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/05/13/waymo-drives-an-additional-750-million-in-funding.aspx |access-date=July 1, 2020 |website=The Motley Fool |language=en}}</ref> In July 2020, the company announced an exclusive partnership with auto manufacturer Volvo to integrate Waymo technology.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 25, 2020 |title=Volvo Cars, Waymo partner to build self-driving vehicles |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-waymo-volvo-autonomous-idUSKBN23W2V0 |access-date=July 1, 2020}}</ref>

In April 2021, Krafcik was replaced by two co-CEOs: Waymo's COO Tekedra Mawakana and CTO Dmitri Dolgov.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nieva|first=Richard|date=April 2, 2021|title=Waymo CEO John Krafcik to step down from self-driving car company|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/waymo-ceo-john-krafcik-to-step-down-from-self-driving-car-company/|access-date=April 4, 2021|publisher=CNET|language=en}}</ref> Mawakana is responsible for business operations, and Dolgov is responsible for the company's technology.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ludlow |first=Edward |date=February 11, 2026 |title=Waymo Co-CEO Outlines Path to 1 Million Weekly Trips in 2026 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-11/waymo-co-ceo-outlines-path-to-1-million-weekly-trips-in-2026 |access-date=March 30, 2026 |work=Bloomberg L.P.}}</ref> Waymo raised $2.5 billion in another funding round in June 2021,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sebastian |first1=Dave |title=Waymo Raises $2.5 Billion in Funding Round |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/waymo-raises-2-5-billion-in-funding-round-11623854400 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |website=The Wall Street Journal |date=June 16, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Alamalhodaei |first1=Aria |title=Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving arm, raises $2.5B in second external investment round |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/16/waymo-alphabets-self-driving-arm-raises-2-5b-in-second-external-investment-round/ |website=TechCrunch |access-date=July 13, 2021 |date=June 16, 2021 }}</ref> with total funding of $5.5 billion.<ref name="cnbc-may22">{{Cite web |last=Fannin |first=Rebecca |date=May 21, 2022 |title=Where the billions spent on autonomous vehicles by U.S. and Chinese giants is heading |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/21/why-the-first-autonomous-vehicles-winners-wont-be-in-your-driveway.html |access-date=2022-05-22 |publisher=CNBC}}</ref> Waymo launched a consumer testing program in San Francisco in August 2021.<ref name="Randazzo-2022" /><ref name="Blye-2022" />

In May 2022, Waymo started a pilot program seeking riders in downtown Phoenix, Arizona.<ref name="Randazzo-2022">{{Cite web |last1=Randazzo |first1=Ryan |title=Waymo to start offering autonomous rides to public in central, downtown Phoenix |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/tech/2022/05/10/waymo-offer-autonomous-vehicle-rides-phoenix/9711015002/ |access-date=May 11, 2022 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=May 10, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Blye-2022">{{Cite journal |last1=Blye |first1=Andy |title=Waymo opens autonomous service to select Phoenix passengers |journal=Phoenix Business Journal |date=May 10, 2022 |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2022/05/10/waymo-trusted-tester-phoenix.html |access-date=May 11, 2022|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In May 2022, Waymo announced that it would expand the program to more areas of Phoenix.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valencia |first=Peter |title=Waymo to launch self-driving cars program at Phoenix Sky Harbor in next few weeks |url=https://www.azfamily.com/2022/05/18/waymo-launch-self-driving-cars-program-phoenix-sky-harbor-next-few-weeks/ |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=Arizona's Family |date=May 18, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> In 2023, coverage of the Waymo One area was increased by {{Convert|45|sqmi|abbr=out}}, expanding to include downtown Mesa, uptown Phoenix, and South Mountain Village.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vanek |first=Corina |date=July 11, 2023 |title=Waymo expands coverage area in Phoenix. Here's what to know to hail a robotaxi |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/tech/2023/07/11/waymo-one-expands-phoenix/70399131007/ |work=The Arizona Republic }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rice |first=Wills |date=July 9, 2023 |title=Waymo adding 45 square miles of metro Phoenix car service |url=https://ktar.com/story/5514377/waymo-adding-45-square-miles-of-metro-phoenix-car-service/ |publisher=KTAR-FM}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mixer |first=Kelly |date=July 15, 2023 |title=Waymo One expands another 45 square miles in metro Phoenix |url=https://www.citysuntimes.com/business/waymo-one-expands-another-45-square-miles-in-metro-phoenix/article_00d1b6f4-2289-11ee-9c37-3ff82179aa99.html |work=City Sun Times}}</ref>

In June 2022, Waymo announced a partnership with Uber, under which Waymo will integrate its autonomous technology into Uber's freight truck service.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hawkins |first1=Andrew J. |title=Waymo is teaming up with Uber on autonomous trucking because time really heals all wounds |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/7/23156674/waymo-via-uber-freight-autonomous-truck-deal |website=The Verge |date=June 7, 2022 |access-date=June 7, 2022}}</ref> Plans to expand the program to Los Angeles were announced in late 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elias |first=Jennifer |title=Waymo says it plans to launch its self-driving service in Los Angeles |date=October 19, 2022 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/19/waymo-says-it-plans-to-launch-a-ride-hailing-service-in-los-angeles.html |access-date=2022-12-15 |publisher=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> On December 13, 2022, Waymo applied for the final permit necessary to operate fully autonomous taxis, without a backup driver present, within the state of California.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dave |first=Paresh |date=December 13, 2022 |title=Waymo seeks permit to sell self-driving car rides in San Francisco |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/waymo-seeks-permit-sell-self-driving-car-rides-san-francisco-2022-12-13/ |access-date=2022-12-15}}</ref>

In January 2023, ''The Information'' reported that Waymo staff were among those affected by Google's layoffs of around 12,000 workers. ''TechCrunch'' reported that Waymo was set to kill its trucking program.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bellan |first=Rebecca |date=January 24, 2023 |title=Waymo lays off staff as Alphabet announces 12,000 job cuts |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/24/waymo-lays-off-staff-as-alphabet-announces-12000-job-cuts/ |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref>

In July 2024, Waymo began testing its sixth-generation robotaxis which are based on electric vehicles by Chinese automobile company Zeekr, developed in a partnership first announced in 2021.<ref name="Tan-2024">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/04/technology/waymo-expansion-alphabet.html|title=Waymo's Robot Taxis Are Almost Mainstream. Can They Now Turn a Profit?|work=The New York Times |date=September 4, 2024 |last1=Tan |first1=Eli }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Waymo and China's Zeekr partner to develop driverless taxis |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/12/29/waymo-and-china039s-zeekr-partner-to-develop-driverless-taxis |access-date=December 29, 2021 |website=The Star |date=December 29, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> They were anticipated to reduce costs, at a time when Waymo was operating at a loss.<ref name="Tan-2024" />

[[File:Waymo Zeekr Vehicle at Bayshore Depot oblique view dllu.jpg|thumb|Sixth generation Zeekr vehicles in December 2025.]]

In October 2024, Waymo closed a $5.6 billion funding round led by Alphabet, aimed at expanding its robotaxi services, bringing its total capital to over $11 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kolodny |first=Lora |date=2024-10-25 |title=Alphabet's self-driving unit Waymo closes $5.6 billion funding round as robotaxi race heats up in the U.S. |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/25/alphabets-self-driving-unit-waymo-closes-5point6-billion-funding-round.html |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> Around that time, the New York Times described Waymo as being "far ahead of the competition", in particular after Cruise had to suspend its operations after an accident in 2023.<ref name="Tan-2024" />

In November 2025, Waymo introduced freeway travel for select riders.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/12/waymo-robotaxis-are-now-giving-rides-on-freeways-in-these-3-cities/|date=2025-11-12|access-date=2026-05-21|title=Waymo robotaxis are now giving rides on freeways in LA, San Francisco, and Phoenix|first=Kirsten|last=Korosec|publisher=TechCrunch}}</ref> Waymo paused all freeway service in May 2026.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/21/waymo-halts-freeway-rides-after-robotaxis-struggle-in-construction-zones/|publisher=TechCrunch|title=Waymo halts freeway rides after robotaxis struggle in construction zones|first=Sean|last=O'Kane|date=2026-05-21|access-date=2026-05-21}}</ref>

Also in November 2025, the permit area in Northern California was expanded to include Santa Rosa and Sacramento. The Southern California permit area was expanded to stretch from the Mexican border to Ventura County.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-industry-services/autonomous-vehicles/autonomous-vehicle-testing-permit-holders/waymo-approved-areas-of-operation-for-driverless-testing-and-deployment/|title=Waymo Approved Areas of Operation for Driverless Testing and Deployment|publisher=California Department of Motor Vehicles}}</ref> These new permit areas were approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).<ref name=cbsexpansion>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-21 |title=California DMV expands permitted areas for Waymo robotaxis - CBS Los Angeles |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/california-new-areas-for-waymo-robotaxis/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The permit area of the DMV is larger than the operating area. The operating area is slated to get expanded to cover San Diego in mid-2026.<ref name=cbsexpansion />

In February 2026, Waymo raised a $16 billion funding round that valued the company at $126 billion, to fund further expansion into new markets.<ref name="cnbc-20260202">{{Cite web |last=Elias |first=Jennifer |date=February 2, 2026 |title=Waymo announces $16 billion funding round |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/02/waymo-announced-16-billion-fundraising-round.html |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> Bloomberg reported that $13 billion of that came from Alphabet.<ref name=BB_2026-02-02 > {{ cite news | url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/private-equity/waymo-raises-16-billion-from-alphabet-others-to-expand-service | title=Waymo Raises $16 Billion From Alphabet and Others to Expand | last=Ludlow | first=Ed | newspaper=Bloomberg | date=2026-02-02 }} </ref>

==== Lobbying ==== Waymo regularly lobbies public officials and regulators throughout US cities and states, to encourage updates to laws so self-driving vehicles can operate in those locations.<ref name="politico-202509" /><ref name="chicagotribune-202512">{{Cite news |last1=Soglin |first1=Talia |last2=Gorner |first2=Jeremy |date=2025-12-06 |title=Waymo wants to bring self-driving taxis to Illinois. Does the Land of Lincoln want them? |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/06/waymo-self-driving-taxis-illinois/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-12-06 |work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> In 2024, Waymo spent $1.7 million on lobbying in the US.<ref name="politico-202509">{{Cite web |last1=Oprysko |first1=Caitlin |last2=Barnes |first2=Daniel |date=2025-09-29 |title=Waymo taps Uber vet to lead public policy |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2025/09/29/waymo-taps-uber-vet-to-lead-public-policy-00585443 |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref> In the state of New York, Waymo has spent $1.8 million since 2019 on lobbying efforts, {{As of|2026|January|lc=y}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Rivard |first1=Ry |last2=Ngo |first2=Emily |date=2026-01-25 |title=Hochul is poised to welcome Waymo. Mamdani may be a different story. |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/25/waymo-robotaxi-autonomous-new-york-00745351 |archive-url=https://archive.today/https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/25/waymo-robotaxi-autonomous-new-york-00745351 |archive-date=January 25, 2026 |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref>

In February 2026, Waymo company representatives spoke to the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and requested that the federal government create uniform nationwide standards for autonomous vehicle deployment.{{ r | Reuters_2026-02-03 }} The company stated that unless the US reduces regulations that hamper innovation, US companies will lose the trillion dollar global autonomous vehicle market to Chinese companies.<ref name=Reuters_2026-02-03 > {{ cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/waymo-defend-self-driving-safety-record-warn-china-competition-2026-02-03/ | title=Waymo to defend self-driving safety record, warn on China | last=Shepardson | first=David | newspaper=Reuters | date=2026-02-03 }} </ref>

==Services== In 2017, Waymo highlighted four business uses for its autonomous technology: robotaxis; trucking and logistics; urban public transportation; and passenger cars.<ref name="della Cava17">{{cite news |last1=della Cava |first1=Marco |date=October 31, 2017 |title=Waymo shows off the secret facility where it trains self-driving cars |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2017/10/31/waymo-self-driving-cars-go-school-here/815627001/ |access-date=June 13, 2018 |newspaper=USA Today}}</ref> As of 2023, trucking is no longer a focus.<ref name="tc-via-202308" />

=== Robotaxis === thumb|The interior of a Waymo Jaguar I-Pace robotaxi as it autonomously drives through San Francisco Waymo currently serves select cities in the United States, and has announced expansion into Japan and the United Kingdom.

The service is accessed in most locations by using the Waymo iOS app<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2026 |title=Waymo App - Apple App Store |url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/waymo/id1343524838 |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=Apple App Store |language=en-US}}</ref> or Android app<ref>{{Cite web |title=Waymo - Apps on Google Play |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.waymo.carapp&hl=en_US |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=play.google.com |language=en-US}}</ref>; Waymo service in Austin and Atlanta is available by using the Uber app.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin, Atlanta: Waymo rides on Uber - Waymo Help |url=https://support.google.com/waymo/answer/16011725?hl=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251105134342/https://support.google.com/waymo/answer/16011725?hl=en |archive-date=2025-11-05 |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=support.google.com |language=en}}</ref> Once a Waymo vehicle arrives, riders push a button to "start ride", and have optional "help", "lock", and "pull over" buttons. Rides usually complete without riders pressing any optional buttons. The car's steering wheel turns as the car makes turns, and a passenger may sit in the right-front passenger seat, but not in the driver's seat. Some information gathered by the car's sensors is displayed on a screen.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melendez |first=Lyanne |date=August 18, 2025 |title=How Waymo went from secret Google project to dominant robotaxi company |url=https://abc7news.com/post/driverless-cars-waymo-history-secret-google-self-driving-car-project-robotaxi-company-darpa/16775642/ |access-date=2025-12-03 |website=ABC7 San Francisco |language=en}}</ref>

{{as of|2026|3}}, Waymo has 3,000 robotaxis in service, provides 500,000 paid rides per week, and drives 4 million rider-only miles per week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCCtWDbTDX4|title=The 20-year journey to fully autonomous cars with Dmitri Dolgov of Waymo|work=Cheeky Pint|date=2026-03-24|access-date=2026-03-25|via=YouTube|time=00:46:36}}</ref>

==== United States ==== {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" |+Service areas in the United States<ref name=ridemap group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/rides/#rides-map|title=Where Waymo is driving|access-date=2025-11-18|publisher=Waymo}}</ref> |- !State !Metro area !Status{{refn|group="note"|Waitlists are used to slowly roll out service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hawkins |first=Andrew J. |date=2024-06-25 |title=Waymo ditches the waitlist and opens up its robotaxis to everyone in San Francisco |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/25/24184814/waymo-waitlist-robotaxi-san-francisco-app-ride |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref>}} !Launch date !Area served<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/whereyoucango/|title=Where you can go|publisher=Waymo|access-date=July 29, 2025}}</ref> !{{Reference column heading}} |- |Arizona |Phoenix |data-sort-value="10-yes" {{yes|Full commercial service}} |{{dts|October 8, 2020}} |{{collapsible list|Chandler|Gilbert|Guadalupe|Mesa|Paradise Valley|Phoenix|Scottsdale|Tempe}} |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/2020/10/waymo-is-opening-its-fully-driverless-service-in-phoenix|date=October 8, 2020|access-date=June 26, 2025|publisher=Waymo|title=Waymo is opening its fully driverless service to the general public in Phoenix}}</ref> |- |rowspan="4"|California |Los Angeles |data-sort-value="10-yes" {{yes|Full commercial service}} |{{dts|November 12, 2024}} |{{collapsible list|Beverly Hills|Culver City|Inglewood|Ladera Heights|Lennox|Los Angeles|Marina del Rey|Santa Monica|View Park–Windsor Hills|West Hollywood}} |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/2024/11/waymo-one-open-to-all-in-los-angeles|date=November 12, 2024|access-date=June 26, 2025|publisher=Waymo|title=Waymo One is now open to all in Los Angeles}}</ref> |- |Sacramento |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-waymo-is-headed-to-sacramento|date=2026-02-05|access-date=2026-02-09|title=Waypoint – Sacramento|publisher=Waymo}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/waymo-robotaxi-sacramento-expansion/|title=Waymo officially announces expansion into Sacramento|publisher=CBS News|date=2026-02-05|access-date=2026-02-09|first1=Cecilio|last1=Padilla|first2=Brady|last2=Halbleib}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article314588275.html|title=Waymo self-driving taxis are coming to Sacramento. Here's when|work=The Sacramento Bee|first=Darrell|last=Smith|date=2026-02-05|access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref> |- |San Diego |data-sort-value="50-announced with timeframe" {{coming soon|Service timeframe announced}} |data-sort-value="2026-07-01" | Mid-2026 |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web |date=November 3, 2025 |title=Waypoint – San Diego |url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-newcity_sandiego |access-date=November 3, 2025 |publisher=Waymo}}</ref><ref name="reuters-2025-11-03"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://fox5sandiego.com/traffic/waymo-san-diego-2026/|title=Waymo hints at 2026 San Diego launch date|publisher=KSWB-TV|first=Sergio|last=Robles|date=2025-11-25|access-date=2026-01-31|quote=As for when riders can start summoning a vehicle for a trip, a Friday post on X hints at a mid-2026 start time.}}</ref> |- |San Francisco Bay Area |data-sort-value="10-yes" {{yes|Full commercial service}} |{{dts|June 25, 2024}} |{{collapsible list|Atherton|Baywood Park|Belmont|Brisbane|Broadmoor|Burbank|Burlingame|Cambrian Park|Campbell|Colma|Cupertino|Daly City|East Palo Alto|Emerald Lake Hills|Foster City|Fruitdale|Highlands|Hillsborough|Ladera|Los Altos|Los Altos Hills|Los Gatos|Loyola|Menlo Park|Millbrae|Mountain View|North Fair Oaks|Palo Alto|Portola Valley|Redwood City|San Bruno|San Carlos|San Francisco|San Jose|San Mateo|Santa Clara|Saratoga|South San Francisco|Stanford|Sunnyvale|West Menlo Park|Woodside}} |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/2024/06/waymo-one-is-now-open-to-everyone-in-san-francisco|title=Waymo One is now open to everyone in San Francisco|date=June 25, 2024|publisher=Waymo|access-date=June 26, 2025}}</ref> |- |Colorado |Denver |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref name="waypoint-denver" group="‡">{{cite web |date=September 2, 2025 |title=Waypoint – Denver |url=https://waymo.com/blog#short-were-elevating-the-waymo-experience-in-the-mile-high-city |access-date=September 2, 2025 |publisher=Waymo}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-sea-den">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/02/waymo-starts-testing-in-denver-seattle-expands-us-robotaxi-service.html|title=Waymo starts testing in Denver, Seattle in bid to expand robotaxi service across U.S.|date=2025-09-02|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=CNBC|first=Lora|last=Kolodny}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/02/waymo-expands-to-denver-and-seattle-with-its-zeekr-made-vans/|title=Waymo expands to Denver and Seattle with its Zeekr-made vans|first=Kirsten|last=Korosec|date=2025-09-02|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=TechCrunch}}</ref> |- |rowspan="3"|Florida |Miami |data-sort-value="10-yes" {{yes|Full commercial service}} | rowspan="2" |{{dts|April 15, 2026}} |{{collapsible list|Aventura|Bal Harbour|Bay Harbor Islands|Biscayne Gardens|Biscayne Park|Brownsville|Coral Gables|Coral Terrace|Doral|Fontainebleau|Gladeview|Glenvar Heights|Hialeah|Indian Creek|Ives Estates|Miami|Miami Beach|Miami Gardens|Miami Shores|Miami Springs|North Bay Village|North Miami|North Miami Beach|Ojus|Opa-locka|Pinewood|South Miami|Sunny Isles Beach|Surfside|West Little River|West Miami|Westview}} | rowspan="2" |<ref name="2026-04-15" group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/2026/04/floridas-new-way-to-ride/|publisher=Waymo|date=2026-04-15|access-date=2026-04-15|title=Florida's New Way to Ride: Waymo Opens to Everyone in Miami and Orlando}}</ref> |- |Orlando |data-sort-value="10-yes" {{yes|Full commercial service}} |{{collapsible list|Meadow Woods|Oak Ridge|Orlando|Southchase|Tangelo Park|Williamsburg}} |- |Tampa |data-sort-value="50-announced with timeframe" {{coming soon|Service timeframe announced}} |data-sort-value="2026-12-01" | 2026 |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-get-ready-tampa-were-laying-the-groundwork-to-serve-you-in-the-future-in-the|title=Waypoint|publisher=Waymo|date=2025-11-20|access-date=2025-11-20}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-2025-11-20">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/20/waymo-to-begin-manual-drives-in-minneapolis-tampa-and-new-orleans.html|title=Waymo to begin manual drives in Minneapolis, Tampa and New Orleans, aims to open service in 2026|first=Jennifer|last=Elias|date=2025-11-20|access-date=2026-01-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/11/20/waymo-self-driving-taxis|date=2025-11-20|access-date=2026-01-31|work=Axios|title=Waymo's self-driving taxis are coming to Tampa|first=Kathryn|last=Varn}}</ref> |- |Georgia |Atlanta |data-sort-value="20-yes through Uber" {{yes|Full commercial service with Uber}} |{{dts|June 24, 2025}} |{{collapsible list|Atlanta|Brookhaven|Decatur|Druid Hills|East Point|North Decatur|North Druid Hills}} |<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uber-waymo-launch-autonomous-ride-hailing-service-atlanta-2025-06-24/|title=Uber, Waymo launch autonomous ride-hailing service in Atlanta|date=2025-06-24|access-date=2025-11-18|publisher=Reuters|first=David|last=Shepardson}}</ref> |- |Illinois |Chicago |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-waymo-in-chicago|publisher=Waymo|date=2026-02-25|access-date=2026-02-25|title=Waypoint – Chicago}}</ref> |- |Louisiana |New Orleans |data-sort-value="50-announced with timeframe" {{coming soon|Service timeframe announced}} |data-sort-value="2026-12-01" | 2026 |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-laissez-les-bons-temps-rouler-waymo-is-bringing-its-fully-autonomous-ride|title=Waypoint|publisher=Waymo|date=2025-11-20|access-date=2025-11-20}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-2025-11-20"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nola.com/news/business/innovation/how-will-waymos-self-driving-cars-work-in-new-orleans/article_e3c8cd6c-7878-47bb-9e29-6318394e138b.html|title=How will Waymo's self-driving cars handle New Orleans potholes and parades?|date=2025-12-04|access-date=2026-01-31|first=Rich|last=Collins|url-access=subscription|website=NOLA.com}}</ref> |- |Maryland |Baltimore |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-waymo-is-heading-to-baltimore|title=Waypoint – Baltimore|publisher=Waymo|date=2025-12-03|access-date=2025-12-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/waymo-driverless-rides-baltimore-testing/|publisher=CBS News|title=Waymo driverless rides coming to Baltimore, Moore touts "long, proud tradition of embracing innovation"|first=Julie|last=Hanson|date=2025-12-03|access-date=2026-01-31}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-2025-12-03">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/03/waymo-baltimore-pittsburgh-stlouis.html|title=Waymo expanding to Baltimore, Pittsburgh and St. Louis with manual test drives|first=Jennifer|last=Elias|date=2025-12-03|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=CNBC}}</ref> |- |Massachusetts |Boston |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite news|url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-back-to-boston|title=Waypoint – Boston|date=2026-02-05|access-date=2026-02-09|publisher=Waymo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/waymo-comes-to-boston-for-testing-would-you-ride-in-a-driverless-taxi/3721574/|title=Waymo comes to Boston for testing: Would you ride in a driverless taxi?|first=Brianna|last=Borghi|date=2025-05-22|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=WBTS-CD}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.northeastern.edu/2025/05/29/waymo-boston-robotaxi-testing/|title=Robotaxis in Boston? Waymo's test run impresses Northeastern autonomous driving expert|publisher=Northeastern University|first=Cesareo|last=Contreras|date=2025-05-29|access-date=2026-01-31}}</ref> |- |Michigan |Detroit |data-sort-value="50-announced with timeframe" {{coming soon|Service timeframe announced}} | data-sort-value="2026-12-31" | 2026 |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web |date=November 3, 2025 |title=Waypoint – Detroit |url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-newcity_detroit |access-date=November 3, 2025 |publisher=Waymo}}</ref><ref name="reuters-2025-11-03"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2025/12/09/waymo-cars-ride-taxi-cost-detroit-la-auto-show-review/87594054007/|work=Detroit Free Press|date=2025-12-09|access-date=2026-01-31|title=Waymo is coming to Detroit. What riding in the driverless taxi is like|first=Eric D.|last=Lawrence}}</ref> |- |Minnesota |Minneapolis |data-sort-value="50-announced with timeframe" {{coming soon|Service timeframe announced}} |data-sort-value="2026-12-01" | 2026 |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-were-lacing-up-our-skates-and-laying-the-early-groundwork-for-our-fully|title=Waypoint|publisher=Waymo|date=2025-11-20|access-date=2025-11-20}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-2025-11-20"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/waymo-driverless-taxi-fleet-coming-to-minneapolis/|publisher=CBS News|title=Waymo announces driverless taxi fleet is coming to Minneapolis|date=2025-11-20|access-date=2026-01-31|first1=Stephen|last1=Swanson|first2=Frankie|last2=McLister}}</ref> |- |Missouri |St. Louis |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-entering-st-louis|title=Waypoint – St. Louis|publisher=Waymo|date=2025-12-03|access-date=2025-12-03}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-2025-12-03"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/business-journal/waymo-bringing-driverless-taxi-service-to-st-louis/63-a92d29d3-2635-4e46-bcb0-9106a5c4ad6d|title=Waymo to bring robotaxi service to St. Louis as drivers begin mapping the city|publisher=KSDK|date=2025-12-03|access-date=2026-01-31|first=Jacob|last=Kirn}}</ref> |- |Nevada |Las Vegas |data-sort-value="50-announced with timeframe" {{coming soon|Service timeframe announced}} |data-sort-value="2026-06-01" | Summer 2026 |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web |date=November 3, 2025 |title=Waypoint – Las Vegas |url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-newcity_lasvegas |access-date=November 3, 2025 |publisher=Waymo}}</ref><ref name="reuters-2025-11-03">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/waymo-expand-robotaxi-service-las-vegas-san-diego-detroit-next-year-2025-11-03/|title=Waymo to expand robotaxi service to Las Vegas, San Diego and Detroit next year|date=2025-11-03|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/waymo-prepares-to-launch-self-driving-cars-in-las-vegas|publisher=KSNV|date=2025-12-15|access-date=2026-01-31|title=Waymo prepares to launch self-driving cars in Las Vegas|first=Fidel|last=Moreno-Meza}}</ref> |- |New Jersey |New York |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref name=newjersey/><ref name="newark-bloomberg">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-22/waymo-to-test-vehicles-with-human-drivers-at-newark-airport|title=Waymo to Test Vehicles With Human Drivers at Newark Airport|first=Natalie|last=Lung|date=2025-10-22|access-date=2026-01-31}}</ref> |- |rowspan="2"|New York |Buffalo |data-sort-value="60-previous" {{no|Previously tested}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/tech/waymo-self-driving-car-program-running-tests-buffalo-drivers/71-4fb569ea-1b41-4f1d-94b2-119107145133|publisher=WGRZ|title=Buffalo-tested: Waymo self-driving car program conducting tests on city streets|first=Ron|last=Plants|date=2023-11-15|access-date=2026-01-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/inside-the-self-driving-cars-youve-been-seeing-around-buffalo|publisher=WKBW-TV|title='To improve our technology': Waymo, a self-driving car service, doing weather testing in Buffalo|first=Michael|last=Schwartz|date=2024-02-29|access-date=2026-01-31}}</ref>{{refn|group="note"|Waymo has tested in Buffalo, but it is not listed on Waymo's service map {{as of|2026|5|lc=y}}.}} |- |New York |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog#short-NYC-first-autonomous-permit|title=Waypoint|publisher=Waymo|date=August 22, 2025|access-date=September 2, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/waymo-gets-first-permit-test-autonomous-vehicles-new-york-city-2025-08-22/|title=Waymo gets first permit to test autonomous vehicles in New York City|date=2025-08-22|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/01/waymo-can-keep-testing-robotaxis-in-nyc-until-end-of-2025/|title=Waymo can keep testing robotaxis in NYC until end of 2025|date=2025-10-01|access-date=2026-01-31|first=Rebecca|last=Bellan|publisher=TechCrunch}}</ref> |- |North Carolina |Charlotte |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-waymo-in-charlotte|publisher=Waymo|date=2026-02-25|access-date=2026-02-25|title=Waypoint – Charlotte}}</ref> |- |Oregon |Portland |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/shorts/waymo-in-portland/|publisher=Waymo|date=2026-04-28|access-date=2026-04-28|title=Waypoint – Portland}}</ref> |- |rowspan="2"|Pennsylvania |Philadelphia |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-bringing-our-service-to-philadelphia|title=Waypoint – Philadelphia|publisher=Waymo|date=2025-12-03|access-date=2025-12-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/04/waymo-coming-to-philadelphia-pennsylvania|date=2025-12-04|access-date=2026-01-31|work=Axios|title=Waymo eyes Philadelphia expansion|first=Mike|last=D'Onofrio}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/waymo-expanding-self-driving-rides-to-philadelphia/|title=Waymo expanding self-driving ride service in Philadelphia|first=Alexandra|last=Simon|date=2025-12-04|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=CBS News}}</ref> |- |Pittsburgh |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/?modal=short-waymo-coming-to-pittsburgh|title=Waypoint – Pittsburgh|publisher=Waymo|date=2025-12-03|access-date=2025-12-03}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-2025-12-03"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2026/01/06/waymo-taxis-driverless-aurora-pittsburgh/stories/202512290068|title=Waymo, meet Pittsburgh: Are driverless taxis ready for Steel City streets?|first=Chloe|last=Jad|date=2026-01-06|access-date=2026-01-31|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}</ref> |- |- |Tennessee |Nashville |data-sort-value="30-partial" {{maybe|Waitlist service}} |{{dts|April 7, 2026}} |{{collapsible list|Berry Hill|Nashville}} |<ref name="nashville" group="‡">{{Cite web |url=https://waymo.com/blog/2026/04/your-waymo-ride-now-arriving-in-nashville/|date=2026-04-07|access-date=2026-04-07|title=Your Waymo ride, now arriving in Nashville|publisher=Waymo}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/waymo-offer-autonomous-rides-nashville-lyft-ride-hailing-network-2025-09-17/|title=Waymo to offer autonomous rides in Nashville on Lyft ride-hailing network|date=2025-09-17|access-date=2026-01-31|first=Norihiko|last=Shirouzu|publisher=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsmv.com/2025/09/17/new-driverless-rideshare-service-coming-nashville-roads/|title=Waymo announces partnership with Lyft to bring driverless rideshare service to Nashville|first1=Brendan|last1=Tierney|first2=Chasity|last2=Maynard|date=2025-09-17|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=WSMV-TV}}</ref> |- |rowspan="4"|Texas |Austin |data-sort-value="20-yes through Uber" {{yes|Full commercial service with Uber}} |{{dts|March 4, 2025}} |{{collapsible list|Austin|Manchaca|Rollingwood|San Leanna|Shady Hollow|Sunset Valley|West Lake Hills}} |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/waymo/answer/16012022|date=March 4, 2025|access-date=June 26, 2025|title=Waymo is now available in Austin, only on Uber|website=support.google.com}}</ref> |- |Dallas |data-sort-value="30-partial" {{maybe|Waitlist service}} | rowspan="3" |{{dts|February 24, 2026}} |{{collapsible list|Dallas|Highland Park|University Park}} | rowspan="3" |<ref name="expand-2026-02-24" group="‡">{{cite web |url=https://waymo.com/blog/2026/02/dallas-houston-san-antonio-orlando|date=2026-02-24|access-date=2026-02-24|title=Ready to Ride: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando|publisher=Waymo|quote=Select riders from the tens of thousands in these cities who have downloaded the Waymo app will receive an invitation to take their first local rides today. We will be inviting new riders on a rolling basis to ensure a seamless experience across our initial service areas, as we meaningfully scale our operations ahead of opening our service to everyone later this year.}}</ref> |- |Houston |data-sort-value="30-partial" {{maybe|Waitlist service}} |{{collapsible list|Houston|West University Place}} |- |San Antonio |data-sort-value="30-partial" {{maybe|Waitlist service}} |{{collapsible list|Alamo Heights|Balcones Heights|Castle Hills|Olmos Park|San Antonio|Terrell Hills}} |- |Washington |Seattle |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |— |<ref name="waypoint-seattle" group="‡">{{cite web |date=September 2, 2025 |title=Waypoint - Seattle |url=https://waymo.com/blog#short-were-heading-north-the-pacific-northwest |access-date=September 2, 2025 |publisher=Waymo}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-sea-den"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/09/03/waymo-seattle-self-driving-cars-autonomous-vehicles|title=Waymo's self-driving cars debut in Seattle|first1=Christine|last1=Clarridge|first2=Alayna|last2=Alvarez|date=2025-09-03|access-date=2026-01-31|work=Axios}}</ref> |- |colspan="2"|Washington, D.C. |data-sort-value="50-announced with timeframe" {{coming soon|Service timeframe announced}} | data-sort-value="2026-12-31" | 2026 |— |<ref name="waymo-dc-202503" group="‡">{{cite web |date=March 25, 2025 |title=Next stop for Waymo One: Washington, D.C. |url=https://waymo.com/blog/2025/03/next-stop-for-waymo-one-washingtondc |access-date=June 26, 2025 |publisher=Waymo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/alphabets-waymo-aims-2026-self-driving-ride-hailing-launch-washington-dc-2025-03-25/|publisher=Reuters|title=Alphabet's Waymo aims for 2026 self-driving ride-hailing launch in Washington, D.C.|date=2025-03-25|access-date=2026-01-31|first=David|last=Shepardson}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/04/when-waymo-robotaxi-dc-council-mayor-bowser|title=Why D.C. hasn't greenlit Waymo and other robotaxis|work=Axios|date=2025-12-04|access-date=2026-01-31|first=Cuneyt|last=Dil}}</ref> |}

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" |+Airport service in the United States |- !State !Airport !Status !Launch date !{{Reference column heading}} |- |Arizona |Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport |data-sort-value="10-yes" {{yes|Full commercial service}} |{{dts|November 1, 2022}} |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/2022/11/making-air-travel-more-convenient-at|date=2022-11-01|access-date=2025-09-16|title=Making air travel more convenient at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport|publisher=Waymo}}</ref> |- |rowspan="2"|California |San Francisco International Airport |data-sort-value="30-partial" {{maybe|Waitlist service}} |{{dts|January 29, 2026}} |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/2026/01/waymo-rides-at-sfo|title=Clear skies and autonomous Waymo rides at SFO|date=2026-01-29|access-date=2026-01-29|publisher=Waymo|quote=We'll start by offering SFO access to a select number of riders and will gradually welcome all riders over the coming months.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/29/waymo-sfo-airport-robotaxis/|title=Waymo robotaxis are now giving rides to and from San Francisco International Airport|first=Kirsten|last=Korosec|date=2026-01-29|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=TechCrunch|quote=The Alphabet-owned company said in a blog post Thursday it will begin offering access to SFO to a select number of riders before offering it to all customers in the coming months.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/waymo-sfo-21321511.php|work=San Francisco Chronicle|title=Waymo has launched passenger service to SFO. Here's what to know|date=2026-01-29|access-date=2026-01-31|first=Rachel|last=Swan}}</ref> |- |San Jose International Airport |data-sort-value="10-yes" {{yes|Full commercial service}} |{{dts|December 1, 2025}} |<ref name=freeways group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/2025/11/taking-riders-further-safely-with-freeways|date=2025-11-12|access-date=2025-11-12|publisher=Waymo|title=Taking riders further, safely with freeways}}</ref><ref name=southbay group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/waymo/answer/16769234|title=We've expanded our San Francisco service area to cover more of the bay|date=2025-12-01|access-date=2025-12-01|website=support.google.com}}</ref> |- |Florida |Miami International Airport |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |<ref group="‡">{{Cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/2025/12/2025-year-in-review|title=Delivering more for our riders in a year of incredible growth|date=2025-12-10|access-date=2025-12-10|publisher=Waymo|quote=...and we recently began offering employees fully autonomous rides at Miami International Airport with plans to go fully autonomous at other major airports soon.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-22/waymo-starts-robotaxi-service-in-miami-airport-tests-underway|title=Waymo Starts Robotaxi Service in Miami, Testing at Airport|date=2026-01-22|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=Bloomberg|first=Natalie|last=Lung}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/22/waymo-launches-robotaxi-service-in-miami-extending-us-lead.html|date=2026-01-22|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=CNBC|title=Waymo launches robotaxi service in Miami, extending U.S. lead|first=Lora|last=Kolodny|quote=Waymo said it plans to extend its service to the Miami International Airport in the near future, but did not give a specific timeline.}}</ref> |- |New Jersey |Newark Liberty International Airport |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |<ref name=newjersey>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/waymo-manually-test-autonomous-vehicles-newark-airport-2025-10-22/|title=Waymo to manually test autonomous vehicles at Newark airport|date=2025-10-22|access-date=2025-11-18|publisher=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="newark-bloomberg"/> |- |Tennessee |Nashville International Airport |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |<ref name="nashville" group="‡"/> |- |rowspan="3"|Texas |Austin–Bergstrom International Airport |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.statesman.com/business/technology/article/austin-airport-waymo-san-antonio-22185693.php|title=Waymo launches services at San Antonio airport. When are they coming to Austin?|first=Karoline|last=Leonard|work=Austin American-Statesman|date=2026-04-03|access-date=2026-04-03|quote=Waymo confirmed to the American-Statesman that it has begun autonomous testing at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with "a trained specialist at the wheel."}}</ref> |- |Dallas Love Field |data-sort-value="55-announced" {{coming soon|Service announced}} |data-sort-value="2099-01-01" | — |<ref name=texasairport group="‡">{{cite Instagram|user=waymo|postid=DTyDKFRjsND|access-date=2026-01-21|date=2026-01-21|title=Preparing for take off at @dallaslovefield and @satairport with employee testing! 🤠✈️ We're one step closer to making autonomous airport travel the new standard. 🚘🤖}}</ref> |- |San Antonio International Airport |data-sort-value="30-partial" {{maybe|Waitlist service}} |{{dts|March 31, 2026}} |<ref group="‡">{{cite Instagram|postid=DWiVmn7AubO|user=waymo|date=2026-03-31|access-date=2026-03-31|title=Now boarding in San Antonio ☀️✈️ Starting today, we're welcoming the first public riders to and from @satairport. 🌵 SAT marks our 4th airport, with more on the horizon!}}</ref> |}

Other potential expansion: * California: ** Waymo communicated with officials from the city of Oakland and Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport in September 2025.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://oaklandside.org/2025/09/15/is-waymo-coming-to-oakland/|title=Is Waymo coming to Oakland?|first1=Eli|last1=Wolfe|first2=Jose|last2=Fermoso|work=The Oaklandside|date=2025-09-15|access-date=2025-11-20}}</ref> ** {{as of|2025|11}}, Waymo has DMV permission to drive autonomously in the entire nine-county San Francisco Bay Area plus the counties of Sacramento and Yolo, and in Southern California from Thousand Oaks to the Mexican border and east to I-15.<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/waymo_excited-to-share-we-have-secured-authorization-activity-7397755625738383360-a0De|title=Post|date=2025-11-21|access-date=2025-11-21|publisher=Waymo|via=LinkedIn}}</ref> ** In May 2026, a Waymo spokesperson said that Waymo plans to expand to the East Bay, but does not have a concrete timeline for expansion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/05/21/waymo-south-bay-driverless-san-jose-campbell-cupertino/|title=Waymo rolls its driverless car service deeper into the South Bay|date=2026-05-21|access-date=2026-05-21|work=The Mercury News|first=Jason|last=Green|url-access=subscription}}</ref> * North Carolina: Waymo had a "very preliminary" conversation with the city of Raleigh {{circa|2023}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article313748020.html|title=Waymo is entering cities that look like Raleigh and Charlotte. So why not us?|date=2025-12-19|access-date=2026-01-12|work=The News & Observer|quote=Waymo officials had a "very preliminary" conversation with Raleigh about two years ago, city spokesperson Julia Milstead says.|first=Brian|last=Gordon}}</ref> * Utah: Waymo communicated with state Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore Jr. in 2026.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/03/23/utah-lawmakers-approve-legal-framework-for-driverless-cars/|date=2026-03-23|access-date=2026-03-23|work=Utah News Dispatch|first=Alixel|last=Cabrera|title=Utah lawmakers approve legal framework for driverless cars, hoping to attract companies|quote=Cullimore said that in running the bill, he spoke to some automotive companies including Tesla, Waymo and Zoox.}}</ref> * Virginia: Waymo started mapping Arlington and Alexandria in May 2026.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/story/waymo-takes-its-self-driving-cars-to-virginia/|title=Waymo Takes Its Self-Driving Cars to Virginia|date=2026-05-27|access-date=2026-05-27|work=Wired|first=Aarian|last=Marshall}}</ref>

==== Japan ====

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" |+Service areas in Japan<ref name=ridemap group="‡"/> |- !City !Status !Launch date !{{Reference column heading}} |- |Tokyo |data-sort-value="50-announced with timeframe" {{coming soon|Service timeframe announced}} |data-sort-value="2026-12-01" | 2026 |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/2024/12/partnering-with-nihon-kotsu-and-go-on-our-first-international-road-trip|date=December 16, 2024|access-date=June 26, 2025|publisher=Waymo|title=Partnering with Nihon Kotsu and GO on our first international road trip}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/waymo-begin-data-collection-tokyo-with-driver-operated-test-rides-2025-04-10/|date=2025-04-10|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=Reuters|title=Waymo to begin data collection in Tokyo with driver-operated test rides}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/01/25/companies/japan-robotaxis/|date=2026-01-25|access-date=2026-01-31|title=Waymo-backed robotaxis quietly ply the streets of Tokyo as tests continue|work=The Japan Times|first=Kazuaki|last=Nagata}}</ref> |}

==== United Kingdom ====

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" |+Service areas in the United Kingdom<ref name=ridemap group="‡"/> |- !Country !City !Status !Launch date !{{Reference column heading}} |- |England |London |data-sort-value="50-announced with timeframe" {{coming soon|Service timeframe announced}} |September 2026 |<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/2025/10/hello-london-your-waymo-ride-is-arriving|title=Hello London! Your Waymo ride is arriving|date=2025-10-15|access-date=2025-10-15|publisher=Waymo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/oct/18/driverless-cars-uk-autonomy-waymo-london|title=Driverless cars are coming to the UK – but the road to autonomy has bumps ahead|first1=Gwyn|last1=Topham|first2=Robert|last2=Booth|date=2025-10-18|access-date=2026-01-31|work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czej9n578k9o|title=Driverless taxis set to launch in UK as soon as September|first=Zoe|last=Kleinman|date=2026-01-28|access-date=2026-01-31|publisher=BBC}}</ref> |}

==== Potential expansion to other countries ==== * Australia: Waymo has contacted Transport for NSW and the federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/10/28/waymo-in-australia-self-driving-taxis-cars-uber/|publisher=Crikey|date=2025-10-28|access-date=2025-11-08|title=Waymo in talks to start testing self-driving taxis in Australia|first=Cam|last=Wilson}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://thesizzle.com.au/p/waymo-australia-self-driving-cars-trial-2026|title=Waymo plans to test self-driving cars in Australia this year, documents reveal|date=2026-01-15|access-date=2026-01-27|first=Cam|last=Wilson|work=The Sizzle}}</ref> * Canada: Waymo has lobbied the federal government, the provincial governments of British Columbia and Ontario, and the city of Toronto.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.autonews.com/technology/mobility/anc-waymo-eyes-canadian-market-1031/|work=Automotive News|title=Waymo eyes Canadian expansion, hires lobbyists to engage with B.C., Ontario, federal governments|first=David|last=Kennedy|date=2025-10-31|access-date=2025-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://mobilesyrup.com/2025/12/02/toronto-waymo-self-driving-taxis/|date=2025-12-02|access-date=2025-12-03|title=Toronto looking into allowing Waymo self-driving taxis|first=Bradly|last=Shankar|work=MobileSyrup}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://vancouversun.com/business/waymo-pushes-bc-allow-self-driving-cars-provincial-roads|title=Autonomous driving giant Waymo pushes B.C. to allow self-driving cars on provincial roads|first=Derrick|last=Penner|date=2026-03-24|access-date=2026-03-25|work=Vancouver Sun}}</ref> * Singapore: Waymo joined the Ministry of Transport's Steering Committee on Autonomous Vehicles in August 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.weride.ai/posts/uwpo6lysiu6i9lg4egiifj86|date=2025-08-12|access-date=2026-03-27|title=WeRide Joins Singapore's Steering Committee on Autonomous Vehicles as Only International Member Alongside Waymo|publisher=WeRide}}</ref> * South Korea: {{as of|2026|3}}, Waymo is in contact with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://en.sedaily.com/technology/2026/03/18/googles-waymo-eyes-south-korea-market-entry|date=2026-03-18|access-date=2026-03-19|work={{ill|Seoul Economic Daily|ko|서울경제}}|title=Google's Waymo Eyes South Korea Market Entry|last=Kim|first=Tae-young}}</ref>

=== Public transit === In September 2025, Waymo and the city of Chandler, Arizona announced that Waymo would be integrated into Chandler's public microtransit service.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chandleraz.gov/news-center/city-chandler-partners-waymo-and-bring-avs-chandler-flex|title=The City of Chandler partners with Waymo and Via to bring AVs to Chandler Flex|date=2025-09-18|access-date=2025-09-25|publisher=City of Chandler}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/waymo-via-offer-robotaxis-public-transit-starting-with-arizona-2025-09-18/|title=Waymo and Via to offer robotaxis for public transit, starting with Arizona|date=2025-09-18|access-date=2026-01-22|publisher=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/news/780156/waymo-via-robotaxi-microtransit-chandler-flex|title=Robotaxis as public transit? Waymo thinks so|work=The Verge|date=2025-09-18|access-date=2026-01-22|first=Andrew J.|last=Hawkins}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/cheap-waymo-rides-available-chandler-flex-arizona/75-ef8136f0-e66b-49d5-850a-e64282a5112a|title=Here's how $1 Waymo rides are being offered throughout Chandler|publisher=KPNX|date=2025-09-23|access-date=2026-01-22|first=Kevin|last=Reagan}}</ref>

=== Trucking === In 2020 Waymo launched a self-driving truck development division designated as ''Waymo Via'', to work with OEMs to integrate its technology into commercial vehicles.<ref name="Topics-2020">{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2020 |title=Waymo Targets Southwest Freight Corridor for Autonomous Truck Tests |url=https://www.ttnews.com/articles/waymo-targets-southwest-freight-corridor-autonomous-truck-tests-0 |access-date=July 2, 2020 |website=Transport Topics |language=en}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-waymovia-2020-03" /><ref name="waymo-via" group="‡">{{Cite web |title=Waymo Via – Same Driver. Different Vehicle. |url=https://waymo.com/waymo-via/ |access-date=July 22, 2020 |archive-date=July 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722200710/https://waymo.com/waymo-via/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The company began testing Class 8 tractor-trailers in 2018 in Atlanta,<ref name="Hawkins03-09-2018">{{cite web |author-last1=Hawkins |author-first1=Andrew J. |date=March 9, 2018 |title=Waymo's self-driving trucks will start delivering freight in Atlanta |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/9/17100518/waymo-self-driving-truck-google-atlanta |access-date=June 27, 2018 |publisher=The Verge}}</ref> expanding in 2019 to southwest shipping routes across Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.<ref name="Topics-2020" /> The company opened a trucking hub in Dallas, Texas in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ohnsman |first=Alan |date=August 25, 2020 |title=Waymo Taps Texas As Its Robot Truck Hub With Dallas Depot |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2020/08/25/waymo-taps-texas-as-its-robot-truck-hub-with-new-dallas-depot/ |access-date=September 14, 2020 |website=Forbes}}</ref> It partnered with Daimler to integrate autonomous technology into a fleet of Freightliner Cascadia trucks.<ref name="via-daimler">{{Cite web |last=Hawkins |first=Andrew |date=October 27, 2020 |title=Waymo and Daimler are teaming up to build fully driverless semi trucks – 'A broad, global, strategic partnership' |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/27/21536048/waymo-daimler-driverless-semi-trucks-cascadia-freightliner |access-date=October 27, 2020 |website=The Verge}}</ref> Waymo operated 48 Class 8 autonomous trucks with safety drivers.<ref name="reuters-202304">{{Cite web |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=April 12, 2023 |title=US union opposes driverless trucks waiver for Waymo, Aurora |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/union-opposes-driverless-trucks-exemption-waymo-aurora-2023-04-11/ |access-date=2023-04-12 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref>

Waymo tested its technology in commercial delivery vehicles with United Parcel Service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McFarland |first=Matt |date=January 29, 2020 |title=UPS teams up with Waymo to test self-driving delivery vans |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/29/tech/ups-waymo-self-driving-package-delivery/index.html |access-date=July 22, 2020 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref name="fc-ups-waymo">{{Cite web |date=July 28, 2020 |title=How the Waymo Driver is revolutionizing shipping – It's not only more efficient. Delivery networks, energy conservation, warehouse design, and more will all be affected—for the better. |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90532791/how-the-waymo-driver-is-revolutionizing-shipping |access-date=July 29, 2020 |website=Fast Company}}</ref> In July 2020 Waymo and Stellantis expanded their partnership, including the development of Ram ProMaster delivery vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gitlin |first=Jonathan |date=July 22, 2020 |title=Waymo worked on autonomous Ram ProMaster Vans for goods deliveries. |url=https://arstechnica.com/cars/2020/07/waymo-is-working-on-autonomous-ram-promaster-vans-for-goods-deliveries/ |access-date=July 22, 2020 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>

In July 2023, Waymo announced that it was moving away from commercial development of self-driving trucks to focus on the ride-hailing Waymo business, and shuttered the Waymo Via trucking program. The vast majority of employees who were on Waymo's trucking team moved to other roles within the company.<ref name="tc-via-202308">{{Cite web |last=Korosec |first=Kirsten |date=July 26, 2023 |title=Waymo puts the brakes on self-driving trucks program |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/26/waymo-puts-the-brakes-on-self-driving-trucks-program/ |access-date=2025-12-03 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Delivery === Waymo has partnered with Uber Eats and DoorDash to deliver food.<ref group="‡">{{cite web|url=https://waymo.com/blog/2024/04/phoenix-residents-can-now-experience-uber-eats-delivery-with-the-waymo|title=Phoenix residents can now experience Uber Eats delivery with the Waymo Driver|date=2024-04-03|access-date=2025-10-16|publisher=Waymo}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/uber-waymo-driverless-deliveries/3500454/|title=Uber Eats now uses Waymo's self-driving cars to offer driverless deliveries|first=Bigad|last=Shaban|date=2024-04-03|access-date=2026-01-29|publisher=KNTV}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/03/waymo-self-driving-cars-are-delivering-uber-eats-orders-for-first-time.html|title=Waymo self-driving cars are delivering Uber Eats orders for first time|date=2024-04-03|access-date=2026-01-29|first=Alex|last=Koller|publisher=CNBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/news/800455/waymo-doordash-autonomous-food-delivery-phoenix|title=DoorDash will use Waymo's robotaxis for delivery in Phoenix|first=Andrew J.|last=Hawkins|date=2025-10-16|access-date=2026-01-29|work=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/16/waymo-dips-its-wheels-back-into-delivery-this-time-with-doordash/|title=Waymo dips its wheels back into delivery, this time with DoorDash|first=Kirsten|last=Korosec|date=2025-10-16|access-date=2026-01-29|publisher=TechCrunch}}</ref>

=== Road maintenance === Waymo data is used by local governments for pothole detection.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/transportation/908886/waymo-potholes-cities-data-waze-robotaxi|title=Waymo is offering to help cities fix their potholes|date=2026-04-09|access-date=2026-04-09|work=The Verge|first=Andrew J.|last=Hawkins}}</ref>

==Technology==

=== Hardware === Google has invested heavily in matrix multiplication and video processing hardware such as the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) to augment Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs) and Intel's central processing units (CPUs) used in Waymo vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-25 |title=GPU vs TPU: can Alphabet's home-grown chips really threaten Nvidia's AI lead? |url=https://www.home.saxo/content/articles/equities/googlenvidia-25112025 |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=www.home.saxo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Intel is collaborating with Waymo on self-driving car technology |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/intel-waymo-self-driving-car-technology-2017-9 |access-date=December 12, 2017 |work=Business Insider |language=en}}</ref>

Waymo manufactures a suite of self-driving hardware developed in-house.<ref name="Gibbs-2017" /> This includes sensors and hardware-enhanced vision system, lidar, and radar.<ref name="Hawkins17" /><ref name="Gibbs-2017" /> Sensors give 360-degree views while lidar detects objects up to {{Convert|300|m}} away. Short-range lidar images objects near the vehicle, and radar is used to see around other vehicles and track objects in motion.<ref name="Hawkins17" />

=== Software === Waymo uses a deep-learning architecture called VectorNet to predict vehicle trajectories in complex traffic scenarios. It uses a graph neural network to model the interactions between vehicles and has demonstrated state-of-the-art performance on several benchmark datasets for trajectory prediction.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 20, 2020 |title=Waymo Develops a Machine Learning Model to Predict the Behavior of Other Road Users for its Self-Driving Vehicles |url=https://www.futurecar.com/3929/Waymo-Develops-a-Machine-Learning-Model-to-Predict-the-Behavior-of-Other-Road-Users-for-its-Self-Driving-Vehicles |access-date=March 31, 2023 |last=Walz|first=Eric|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331124840/https://www.futurecar.com/3929/Waymo-Develops-a-Machine-Learning-Model-to-Predict-the-Behavior-of-Other-Road-Users-for-its-Self-Driving-Vehicles|archive-date=March 31, 2023}}</ref>

Waymo Carcraft is a virtual world in which Waymo simulates driving conditions. The simulator was named after the video game ''World of Warcraft''.<ref name="Madrigal17">{{cite news |last1=Madrigal|first1=Alexis C.|date=August 23, 2017|title=Inside Waymo's Secret World for Training Self-Driving Cars|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/08/inside-waymos-secret-testing-and-simulation-facilities/537648/|access-date=June 13, 2018|newspaper=The Atlantic}}</ref><ref name="Seppala17">{{cite web |author-last1=Seppala|author-first1=Timothy J.|date=August 23, 2017|title='Carcraft' is Waymo's virtual world for autonomous vehicle testing|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/08/23/waymo-virtual-world-carcraft/|access-date=June 13, 2018|work=Engadget}}</ref> With Carcraft, 25,000 virtual self-driving cars navigate through models of Austin, Texas; Mountain View, California; Phoenix, Arizona; and other cities.<ref name="Madrigal17" />

=== Vehicles === {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" |+ !Manufacturer and Model !Driver generation !Announcement Date !Introduction in Fleet !class="unsortable" | Status |- |Chrysler Pacifica (minivan) Plug-in hybrid |4<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kolodny |first=Jennifer Elias,Lora |date=2026-02-12 |title=Waymo begins deploying next-gen Ojai robotaxis to extend its U.S. lead |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/12/waymo-begins-deploying-next-gen-ojai-robotaxis-to-extend-its-us-lead.html |access-date=2026-04-14 |website=CNBC |language=en |quote=“We have consistently operated mixed fleets for years, including when we transitioned from the 4th-gen Driver on the Pacifica to the 5th-gen Driver on the I-PACE,” Karp said in an email.}}</ref> |{{dts|December 2016}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waymo |date=December 18, 2016 |title=A first look at our Waymo fully self-driving Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans |url=https://waymo.com/blog/2016/12/a-first-look-at-our-waymo-fully-self |access-date=2026-04-14 |website=Waymo |language=en}}</ref> |{{dts|November 2017}} in Phoenix: testing with safety driver. October 2020 in Phoenix: Waymo's first publicly offered Robotaxi service. |All vehicles are retired {{As of|2023|March|lc=y}}. This was the first vehicle that offered public Robotaxi service in the USA. It was also used in mapping and testing in many locations where Waymo later started service with other vehicles. |- |Jaguar I-Pace |5<ref name="Kolodny-2026a">{{Cite web |last=Kolodny |first=Jennifer Elias,Lora |date=2026-02-12 |title=Waymo begins deploying next-gen Ojai robotaxis to extend its U.S. lead |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/12/waymo-begins-deploying-next-gen-ojai-robotaxis-to-extend-its-us-lead.html |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> |{{dts|March 2018}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waymo |title=Meet our newest self-driving vehicle: the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE |url=https://waymo.com/blog/2018/03/meet-our-newest-self-driving-vehicle |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=Waymo |language=en}}</ref> |{{dts|August 2021}} in San Francisco.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-26 |title=Waymo's self-driving Jaguar I-Pace electric cars are ready for passengers |url=https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1133368_waymo-s-self-driving-jaguar-i-pace-electric-cars-are-ready-for-passengers |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=Green Car Reports |language=en}}</ref> |Total order of 3,500 vehicles, the last of which are entering service during 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Waymo Is Far From Done With The Jaguar I-Pace |url=https://insideevs.com/news/758651/waymo-arizona-jaguar-robotaxi-number/ |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=InsideEVs |language=en}}</ref> {{As of|2026|April}}, the I-Pace was and still is Waymo's exclusive vehicle for public revenue service starting in March 2023. It is available to passengers in 11 different cities / areas, {{As of|2026|April|lc=y}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waymo |title=Waymo - Self-Driving Cars - Autonomous Vehicles - Ride-Hail |url=https://waymo.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260407132446/https://waymo.com/ |archive-date=2026-04-07 |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=Waymo |language=en}}</ref> |- |Zeekr / Waymo Ojai (based on Zeekr Mix) |6<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waymo |title=Beginning fully autonomous operations with the 6th-generation Waymo Driver |url=https://waymo.com/blog/2026/02/ro-on-6th-gen-waymo-driver |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=Waymo |language=en}}</ref> |{{dts|December 2021}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Geely's Zeekr and Waymo team up to create robotaxi |url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/geelys-zeekr-and-waymo-team-up-to-create-robotaxi-133612/?isModal=true |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=carsales.com.au |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruffo |first=Gustavo Henrique |date=2021-12-28 |title=Waymo and Zeekr Join Forces to Create Purpose-Built Robotaxi |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/waymo-and-zeekr-join-forces-to-create-purpose-built-robotaxi-177734.html |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=autoevolution |language=en}}</ref> |{{dts|February 2026}} in San Francisco and Los Angeles: Driverless testing service only for Waymo employees.<ref name="Kolodny-2026a" /> | |- |Hyundai Ioniq 5 |6<ref name="Waymo-2024" /> |{{dts|October 2024}}<ref name="Waymo-2024" /> |data-sort-value="2028-01-01"|Starting in 2028, Hyundai plans to deliver 50,000 units to Waymo.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-02 |title=The next generation of Waymos might be an EV that keeps failing |url=https://sfstandard.com/2026/03/02/robot-turtles-waymo-s-next-gen-cars-could-buggy-hyundai-evs/ |access-date=2026-04-10 |website=sfstandard.com |language=en}}</ref> | |} {{as of|2025|11}}, most of Waymo's robotaxis are customized Jaguar I-Pace cars. Waymo plans to introduce Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Zeekr Ojai cars.<ref name="Waymo-2024">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-04 |title=Waymo and Hyundai enter multi-year, strategic partnership |url=https://waymo.com/blog/2024/10/waymo-and-hyundai-enter-partnership |access-date=2025-11-18 |publisher=Waymo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2025-05-05 |title=Scaling our fleet through U.S. manufacturing |url=https://waymo.com/blog/2025/05/scaling-our-fleet-through-us-manufacturing |access-date=2025-11-18 |publisher=Waymo}}</ref>

{{As of|2024|October}}, Morgan Stanley estimated the total vehicle cost at over $120,000,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hamlin |first=Katrina |date=June 4, 2025 |title=Robotaxis go from hype to maybe, possibly, profit |url=https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/robotaxis-go-hype-maybe-possibly-profit-2025-06-04/ |access-date=March 2, 2026 |work=Reuters}}</ref> and another source estimated $150,000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herger |first=Mario |date=2024-10-27 |title=Waymo's $5.6 Billion Round and Details of the AI used |url=https://thelastdriverlicenseholder.com/2024/10/27/waymos-5-6-billion-round-and-details-of-the-ai-used/ |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=The Last Driver License Holder... |language=en}}</ref> {{As of|2025|June}}, a third source estimates it to be above $100,000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2025 |title=Report: Waymo Business Breakdown & Founding Story {{!}} Contrary Research |url=https://research.contrary.com/company/waymo |access-date=2026-03-30 |website=research.contrary.com |language=en |quote=Analysts have estimated that Waymo’s sensor suite costs $12.7K per vehicle. The price of the underlying vehicle and the implementation of the Waymo Driver hardware put estimates of the price per Waymo vehicle as of June 2025 above $100K.}}</ref> Other costs include ride monitors, service personnel, and real estate for storing and servicing the vehicles.<ref name="Tan-2024" />

In February 2026, Waymo's chief safety officer confirmed that the company employs remote assistance workers in the United States and the Philippines to address situations that the vehicles cannot independently solve.{{ r | SFC_2026-02-07 }} The company stated that the remote workers do not drive the vehicles, simply providing guidance to the vehicle, which can accept or reject it.<ref name=SFC_2026-02-07>{{Cite news |last=Vaziri |first=Aidin |title=Waymo says its robotaxis get help from remote workers in the Philippines |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/tech/article/waymo-robotaxis-remote-workers-21338183.php |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207025257/https://www.sfchronicle.com/tech/article/waymo-robotaxis-remote-workers-21338183.php |archive-date=2026-02-07 |access-date=2026-02-08 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |language=en}}</ref>

== Operations, efficiency, and safety == From California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) data,<ref name="quarterly gov">{{Cite web |title=Quarterly Reporting |url=https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/autonomous-vehicle-programs/quarterly-reporting |access-date=2025-11-23 |website=www.cpuc.ca.gov}}</ref> {{As of|2025|September|lc=y}}, Waymo delivered 4.75 million Passenger Miles Traveled (PMT) monthly, which required 6.57 million Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). This is a three-fold growth from September 2024 in both PMT and VMT, with the ratio staying roughly equal.

Vehicles have an average passenger occupancy of 0.75.<ref name="quarterly gov" /> In 70% of the trips, only one passenger is in the car. For 44% of miles, the vehicle is empty, and 4.6% of requested trips are cancelled.

In 2024, Waymo and insurance company Swiss Re published a study which estimated that Waymo generated 92% fewer bodily injury claims and 88% fewer property damage claims than human drivers over the same number of miles in the same locations.{{r|ArsT_2025-03|NBC_Bay_2024-12-19}} The study said that by the end of 2024, the company was facing two potential bodily injury claims (accidents where the Waymo vehicle was potentially at fault), and estimated that human drivers would have generated 26 bodily injury claims.{{ r | ArsT_2025-03 | NBC_Bay_2024-12-19 }} For property damage claims, Waymo logged nine versus an estimated 78 for human drivers.<ref name=ArsT_2025-03 > {{ cite news | url=https://arstechnica.com/cars/2025/03/after-50-million-miles-waymos-crash-a-lot-less-than-human-drivers/ | title=After 50 million miles, Waymos crash a lot less than human drivers - Waymo has been in dozens of crashes. Most were not Waymo's fault. | last=Lee | first=Timothy | newspaper=Ars Technica | date=2025-03-27 }} </ref>{{ r | NBC_Bay_2024-12-19 }} Experts noted that the sample size in the study of 25 million miles driven is extremely small (0.0008%), compared to the 3 trillion miles logged annually by human drivers in the US.<ref name=NBC_Bay_2024-12-19 > {{ cite news | url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/waymo-driverless-cars-safety-study/3740522/ | title=Waymo's robotaxis surpass 25 million miles, but are they safer than humans? - The NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit got a first-look at Waymo's new safety report, which explores how the company's fleet of autonomous vehicles compares to human drivers | last=Shaban | first=Bigad | newspaper=NBC | date=2024-12-19 | quote=Some traffic safety experts have repeatedly cautioned about drawing definitive safety comparisons between autonomous vehicles and human drivers in light of the relatively small number of miles self-driving vehicles have traveled. For example, while Waymo has logged more than 25 million driverless miles since 2018, it represents less than 1% of the more than 3 trillion miles humans travel each year on U.S. roads. }} </ref>

== Incidents and controversies ==

=== Accidents === In July 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) started requiring autonomous vehicle companies to report any accidents which result in injury or property damage that occur within 30 seconds of the vehicle operating in autonomous mode.{{r | TC2023-06-06 }} {{as of|2026|3|16|df=US}}, the (NHTSA) has logged 1,790 accidents (cumulative since July 2021), involving Waymo vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhtsa.gov/laws-regulations/standing-general-order-crash-reporting|title=Standing General Order on Crash Reporting|access-date=2026-04-15|publisher=NHTSA}}</ref> From July 2021 to January 2025, Waymo's vehicles have been involved in about 30 accidents with injuries, though the NHTSA reports do not ascribe fault.{{r | NBCBay_2025-01-20 }}

Some examples of Waymo accidents: *In May 2023, a Waymo hit and killed a dog which ran out into the street in front of the car.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/07/waymo-car-kills-dog-self-driving-robotaxi-san-francisco|date=2023-06-07|access-date=2025-09-08|title=Self-driving Waymo car kills dog amid increasing concern over robotaxis|first=Rose|last=Horowitch|work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref name="TC2023-06-06">{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/06/06/a-waymo-self-driving-car-killed-a-dog-in-unavoidable-accident/|date=2023-06-06|access-date=2025-09-08|title=A Waymo self-driving car killed a dog in 'unavoidable' accident|publisher=TechCrunch|first=Rebecca|last=Bellan }}</ref> According to Waymo, its car detected the dog, while the human safety driver did not, and that whether the vehicle would take evasive maneuvers or not depends on the expected trajectory of the dog.{{r | TC2023-06-06 }} Waymo compares the performance of its autonomous systems to a theoretical Non-Impaired, with Eyes Always ON the conflict (NIEON) human driver's expected performance.{{r | TC2023-06-06 }} *On December 11, 2023, two Waymo cars hit a tow truck minutes apart from each other; Waymo recalled its software in response.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/14/business/waymo-recalls-software-after-two-self-driving-cars-hit-the-same-truck|date=2024-02-14|access-date=2025-09-08|publisher=CNN|title=Waymo recalls software after two self-driving cars hit the same truck|first=Peter|last=Valdes-Dapena}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=24E013000|title=ADS Software Error May Cause Crash|date=2024-02-13|access-date=2025-12-11|publisher=NHTSA}}</ref> *On February 6, 2024, a Waymo hit and injured a cyclist who was obstructed behind an oncoming truck.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/driverless-waymo-car-hits-cyclist-san-francisco-causes-minor-scratches-2024-02-07/|title=Waymo robotaxi accident with San Francisco cyclist draws regulatory review|date=2024-02-07|access-date=2025-09-08|publisher=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://abc7news.com/post/waymo-driverless-car-san-francisco-bicyclist-hit-robotaxi-accident/14394661/|title=Waymo driverless car hit bicyclist in SF intersection, company says|date=2024-02-07|access-date=2025-09-08|publisher=KGO-TV}}</ref> *On May 21, 2024, a Waymo hit a utility pole; Waymo recalled its software in response.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/waymo-car-crashes-into-pole-phoenix-arizona/75-0f278aab-7c40-4970-ae21-ac3d57f0ccba|date=2024-05-21|access-date=2025-09-08|title=Waymo vehicle involved in Phoenix crash|publisher=KPNX|first=Kevin|last=Reagan}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/waymo-recalls-software-cars-robotaxi-crash-rcna157030|publisher=NBC News|title=Waymo recalls software in all its cars after its robotaxi crashes into a pole|date=2024-06-13|access-date=2025-09-08|first=Victoria|last=Feng}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=24E049000|title=ADS Software Error May Cause Crash|publisher=NHTSA|date=2024-06-10|access-date=2025-12-11}}</ref> *On January 19, 2025, an empty Waymo was stopped in a line of cars when a speeding driver rear-ended the line, killing a passenger and a dog in another car; this was the first fatal crash involving Waymo.<ref name="NBCBay_2025-01-20">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/waymo-multi-car-wreck-san-francisco-driverless/3766860/|first=Bigad|last=Shaban|date=2025-01-20|access-date=2025-09-08|title=While Waymo not blamed in multi-car wreck, it's the first fatal collision involving a driverless car|publisher=KNTV}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://abc7news.com/post/san-francisco-multi-car-crash-involving-waymo-vehicle-leaves-1-person-dog-killed-several-injured/15817881/|title=Person and dog killed, several hurt in San Francisco multi-car crash, authorities say|date=2025-01-20|access-date=2025-09-08|publisher=KGO-TV}}</ref> *On February 16, 2025, a cyclist was hospitalized after being doored by a Waymo passenger; the cyclist sued Waymo, alleging that it had stopped in an unsafe location and failed to warn the passengers before exiting.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/06/10/san-francisco-bicyclist-crash-waymo/|date=2025-06-10|access-date=2025-09-08|work=The Mercury News|title=San Francisco bicyclist sues over crash involving 2 Waymo cars|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/s-f-cyclist-sues-waymo-doored-robotaxi-20385289.php|title=Suit by S.F. cyclist 'doored' by driverless Waymo says safety system failed|first=Matthias|last=Gafni|date=2025-06-20|access-date=2025-09-08|work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> *On October 27, 2025, a Waymo in San Francisco hit and killed KitKat, a local bodega cat, after he darted under the car as it was pulling away.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/waymo-pledges-donation-after-beloved-sf-corner-store-cat-struck-killed/|title=Waymo pledges donation after beloved San Francisco corner store cat struck, killed|publisher=KRON-TV|first1=Stephanie|last1=Rothman|first2=Tor|last2=Smith|date=2025-10-30|access-date=2025-10-31}}</ref> In response, Supervisor Jackie Fielder called for the state to pass legislation allowing local governments to ban self-driving cars.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/waymo-killed-cat-21136038.php|title=A Waymo robotaxi killed a beloved S.F. cat. Now a city supervisor wants driverless car reform|date=2025-11-03|access-date=2025-11-03|first=Rachel|last=Swan|work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> *On November 30, 2025, a Waymo hit and killed a dog.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/waymo-robotaxi-hits-dog-san-francisco-21217764.php|work=San Francisco Chronicle|title=Waymo robotaxi hits dog in San Francisco weeks after killing beloved cat|first=Aidin|last=Vaziri|date=2025-12-01|access-date=2025-12-02}}</ref><ref name="Baker-2025">{{cite news|url=https://www.kron4.com/news/technology-ai/dog-hit-by-waymo-in-sf-put-down-by-family-after-suffering-severe-pelvic-trauma/|title=Dog hit by Waymo in SF put down by family after suffering 'severe pelvic trauma'|date=2025-12-09|access-date=2025-12-10|first=Alex|last=Baker|publisher=KRON-TV}}</ref> According to the dog's owner, Waymo failed to notice what had happened and continued on after the collision.<ref name="Baker-2025" /> *On January 23, 2026, a Waymo hit a child crossing the street, who suffered minor injures. The NHTSA opened an investigation into Waymo. According to Waymo and the NTSB, the child was obscured behind an SUV, and the Waymo car braked but was unable to avoid contact.<ref name="Shepardson-2026">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-opens-probe-after-waymo-self-driving-vehicle-strikes-child-near-school-2026-01-29/|publisher=Reuters|title=US opens probe after Waymo self-driving vehicle strikes child near school, causing minor injuries|date=2026-01-29|access-date=2026-01-29|first=David|last=Shepardson}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/29/waymo-robotaxi-hits-a-child-near-an-elementary-school-in-santa-monica/|title=Waymo robotaxi hits a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica|first=Sean|last=O'Kane|date=2026-01-29|access-date=2026-01-29|publisher=TechCrunch}}</ref><ref name="Kolodny-2026b" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/HWY26FH008.aspx|title=Automated Driving System-Equipped Vehicle Collision with Student Pedestrian|publisher=NTSB|date=2026-03-03|access-date=2026-03-04}}</ref>

=== Legal and political disputes ===  * In January 2022, Waymo sued the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to prevent data on driverless crashes from being released to the public. Waymo maintained that such information constituted a trade secret.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hawkins|first=Andrew J.|date=January 28, 2022|title=Waymo sues California DMV to keep driverless crash data under wraps|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/28/22906513/waymo-lawsuit-california-dmv-crash-data-foia|access-date=2023-01-25|website=The Verge|language=en-US}}</ref> According to ''The Los Angeles Times'', the "topics Waymo wants to keep hidden include how it plans to handle driverless car emergencies, what it would do if a robot taxi started driving itself where it wasn't supposed to go, and what constraints there are on the car's ability to traverse San Francisco's tunnels, tight curves and steep hills."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitchell|first=Russ|date=January 28, 2022|title=Waymo sues state DMV to keep robotaxi safety details secret|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-01-28/waymo-robot-taxi-sues-state-secret-black-ice|access-date=2023-01-25|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}</ref> The court ruled some details regarding safety records do not have to be released.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hawkins|first=Andrew J.|date=February 23, 2022|title=Waymo wins bid to keep some of its robotaxi safety details secret|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/23/22947595/waymo-lawsuit-california-dmv-secret-win-injunction|access-date=2023-01-25|website=The Verge|language=en-US}}</ref> * In January 2024, the city attorney of San Francisco attempted to sue to prevent expansion of driverless vehicles including Waymo into San Francisco.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-01-24 |title=SF sues state regulators for robotaxi expansion |url=https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/transit/san-francisco-sues-cpuc-for-authorizing-waymo-expansion/article_7ebe569a-bb03-11ee-9ca3-ff53bee30f57.html |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=San Francisco Examiner |language=en}}</ref> The San Mateo County government soon after also sent a letter to regulators opposing expansion to its county.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2024 |title=San Mateo County opposes Waymo's driverless-car expansion |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/02/15/san-mateo-county-opposes-waymos-driverless-car-expansion/ |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US|url-access=subscription}}</ref> * In May 2024, the NHTSA launched an investigation into potential flaws in Waymo vehicles, focusing on 31 incidents that included Waymo vehicles ramming into a closing gate, driving on the wrong side of the road, and at least 17 crashes or fires.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Thadani |first1=Trisha |last2=Duncan |first2=Ian |date=May 24, 2024 |title=Major robotaxi firms face federal safety investigations after crashes |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/05/24/all-major-robotaxi-firms-are-facing-federal-safety-investigations/ |access-date=2024-05-26 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Waymo recalled its self-driving software in May 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=25E034000|title=Software May Cause Vehicle to Hit Roadway Barrier|publisher=NHTSA|date=2025-05-12|access-date=2025-12-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/alphabets-waymo-recalls-over-1200-vehicles-after-collisions-with-roadway-2025-05-14/|title=Waymo recalls 1,200 self-driving vehicles in US after minor collisions|date=2025-05-14|access-date=2025-12-11|publisher=Reuters|first1=David|last1=Shepardson|first2=Deborah Mary|last2=Sophia}}</ref> The investigation was closed in July 2025 with no further action taken.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-closes-probe-into-waymo-self-driving-collisions-unexpected-behavior-2025-07-25/|title=US closes probe into Waymo self-driving collisions, unexpected behavior|first=David|last=Shepardson|date=2025-07-25|access-date=2025-09-13|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> * In July 2025, anti-Waymo protestors in Boston were joined by city officials, who expressed concerns over safety and the impact on rideshare drivers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2025-07-24/driverless-cars-run-into-resistance-at-boston-city-council|title=Driverless cars run into resistance at Boston City Council|date=2025-07-24|access-date=2025-09-14|first=Saraya|last=Wintersmith|publisher=WGBH-TV}}</ref> Eight city councillors proposed an ordinance to restrict self-driving car services in Boston, with one provision requiring safety drivers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/labor-union-coalition-boston-driverless-car-regulation/69179005|title=Labor unions form coalition as Boston City Council considers driverless car regulation|publisher=WCVB-TV|date=2025-10-28|access-date=2025-10-30|first=Emily|last=Maher}}</ref> * In September 2025, police in San Bruno, California pulled over a Waymo after it made an illegal U-turn.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/waymo-dui-police-stop-21071193.php|title=Waymo driverless car stopped by Bay Area police during DUI operation|first=Aidin|last=Vaziri|date=2025-09-27|access-date=2025-09-29|work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/bay-area-police-officers-pull-over-waymo-robotaxi-san-bruno/|publisher=CBS News|title=Bay Area police officers pull over Waymo robotaxi during DUI operation|first=Tim|last=Fang|date=2025-09-29|access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/29/waymo-illegal-u-turn-driverless-car|work=The Guardian|title=California police stumped after trying to ticket driverless car for illegal U-turn|date=2025-09-29|access-date=2025-09-29|author-first1=Coral |author-last1=Murphy Marcos}}</ref> * In November 2025, a man sued Waymo after he was falsely identified as a terrorist on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List and denied access to Waymo.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kqed.org/news/12063035/waymo-alphabet-sued-for-bias-after-ai-allegedly-mislabels-sf-doctor-as-terrorist|title=Waymo, Alphabet Sued for Bias After AI Allegedly Mislabels SF Doctor as Terrorist|first=Rachael|last=Myrow|date=2025-11-05|access-date=2025-11-06|publisher=KQED}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/waymo-doctor-terrorist-21141766.php|title=Did Waymo misidentify an S.F. doctor as a terrorist? New lawsuit alleges discrimination|work=San Francisco Chronicle|first=Rachel|last=Swan|date=2025-11-05|access-date=2025-11-06}}</ref> He later dropped the case.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/an-s-f-doctor-sued-waymo-allegedly-flagging-22263676.php|title=An S.F. doctor sued Waymo for allegedly flagging him as a terrorist. Here's why he dropped the case|date=2026-05-17|access-date=2026-05-17|work=San Francisco Chronicle|first=Jess|last=Lander}}</ref> * In November 2025, New Jersey State Senator Andrew Zwicker proposed a bill to require a three-year pilot project for self-driving cars, with a safety driver present at all times; Waymo opposes the bill.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nj1015.com/autonomous-vehicles-waymo-pilot-program/|publisher=WKXW|first=Rick|last=Rickman|title=Trenton could slow down Waymo's driverless car rollout in New Jersey|date=2025-11-18|access-date=2025-12-06}}</ref> * In November 2025, San Diego City Council member Sean Elo-Rivera opposed Waymo expansion, citing the impact on taxi and rideshare drivers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/san-diego/san-diego-leaders-oppose-waymo/|publisher=KUSI-TV|title=Some city leaders push back on Waymo coming to San Diego|first=Juliette|last=Vara|date=2025-11-19|access-date=2025-11-21}}</ref> In January 2026, the board of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System passed a resolution opposing Waymo expansion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/01/15/san-diego-mts-issues-anti-waymo-proclamation/|title=San Diego MTS issues anti-Waymo proclamation|date=2026-01-15|access-date=2026-01-16|first=Noelle|last=Harff|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune}}</ref> * In November 2025, the city of Santa Monica, California banned Waymo from charging its vehicles between 11PM and 6AM, claiming that two of their charging stations are public nuisances, due to complaints from residents nearby about noise and light pollution.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hall |first=Matthew |date=2025-11-24 |title=Santa Monica Orders Waymo to Halt Overnight Operations at Charging Facilities |url=https://smdp.com/news/transportation/santa-monica-orders-waymo-to-halt-overnight-operations-at-charging-facilities/ |access-date=2025-11-24 |work=Santa Monica Daily Press}}</ref><ref name="Politico-2026">{{Cite web |title=E&E News: Lawsuits fly in dispute over Waymo's Santa Monica charging station |url=https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2026/01/27/lawsuits-fly-in-dispute-over-waymos-santa-monica-charging-station-00747732 |access-date=2026-01-29 |website=subscriber.politicopro.com |language=en}}</ref>{{r | LAT_2025-12-22 }} Waymo continued using the stations, and asked a court to declare their operations not a nuisance.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hall |first=Matthew |date=2025-12-03 |title=Waymo operations persist despite Nov. 26 deadline to end overnight work in Santa Monica |url=https://smdp.com/business/waymo-operations-persist-despite-nov-26-deadline-to-end-overnight-work-in-santa-monica/ |access-date=2025-12-04 |work=Santa Monica Daily Press}}</ref><ref name="LAT_2025-12-22">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-12-22/fight-between-waymo-santa-monica-goes-to-court|title=Fight between Waymo and Santa Monica goes to court|work=Los Angeles Times|date=2025-12-22|access-date=2025-12-22|first=Salvador|last=Hernandez}}</ref><ref name="Politico-2026" /> * In December 2025, several members of the Minneapolis City Council opposed Waymo expansion, citing the impact on taxi and rideshare drivers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.startribune.com/some-minneapolis-city-council-members-want-to-stop-waymo-driverless-cars/601537063|title=Some Minneapolis City Council members want to stop Waymo driverless cars|first=Deena|last=Winter|date=2025-12-04|access-date=2025-12-04|work=Minnesota Star Tribune}}</ref>

==== School bus incidents ==== In September 2025, a Waymo in Atlanta was recorded illegally passing a stopped school bus.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/waymo-car-seen-passing-school-bus-illegally-in-atlanta/85-26b34104-7a13-4abc-8dd4-127d7930e4c4|publisher=WXIA-TV|date=2025-09-28|access-date=2025-10-02|first=Chase|last=Houle|title=Waymo car recorded illegally passing school bus}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/video/driverless-waymo-seen-blowing-past-a-school-bus-in-atlanta/|publisher=CBS News|title=Driverless Waymo seen blowing past a school bus in Atlanta|first=Kris|last=Van Cleave|date=2025-10-01|access-date=2025-10-02}}</ref> Georgia State Representative Clint Crowe and State Senator Rick Williams criticized Waymo, with Williams stating his support for higher fines for self-driving cars.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/waymo-driverless-car-passes-school-bus-21081264.php|date=2025-10-02|access-date=2025-10-02|work=San Francisco Chronicle|title='Too dangerous for our children': Lawmakers call out Waymo after school bus incident|first=Aidin|last=Vaziri}}</ref> * The NHTSA launched an investigation on October 20.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/us-investigates-waymo-robotaxis-over-safety-around-school-buses-2025-10-20/|title=US probes Alphabet unit Waymo robotaxis over school bus safety|date=2025-10-20|access-date=2025-10-22|first1=David|last1=Shepardson|first2=Akash|last2=Sriram|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> * Austin Independent School District (AISD) revealed that Waymo cars had illegally passed its school buses 20 times from the start of the school year to December 1,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kxan.com/investigations/another-waymo-driverless-vehicle-cited-for-passing-a-stopped-school-bus-aisd-says/|title=Another Waymo driverless vehicle cited for passing a stopped school bus, AISD says|first1=Kelly|last1=Wiley|first2=Erica|last2=Pauda|date=2025-12-04|access-date=2025-12-05|publisher=KXAN-TV}}</ref> and asked Waymo to stop its operations during school drop-off and pick-up hours, but Waymo refused.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Bettie|last1=Cross|first2=Will|last2=LeHardy|date=2025-12-05 |title=Waymo refuses AISD request to cease operations after 20th school bus violation since Aug. |url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/waymo-refuses-aisd-request-to-cease-operations-after-20th-school-bus-violation |access-date=2025-12-06 |publisher=KEYE-TV |language=en}}</ref> * Atlanta Public Schools later revealed six illegal passing incidents.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.11alive.com/article/news/investigations/11alive-news-investigates/more-cases-of-waymo-autonomous-vehicles-driving-around-stopped-atlanta-school-buses-as-federal-probe-continues/85-b7f9f24d-c42b-4f33-aef7-16b9fd753297|publisher=WXIA-TV|title=More cases of Waymo autonomous vehicles driving around stopped Atlanta school buses as federal probe continues|first=Liza|last=Lucas|date=2025-12-04|access-date=2025-12-07}}</ref> * Waymo recalled its self-driving software on December 8.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25E084000|date=2025-12-08|access-date=2025-12-11|publisher=NHTSA|title=Vehicle May Pass a Stopped School Bus}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/waymo-recalls-fixes-over-3000-vehicles-over-software-issue-nhtsa-says-2025-12-11/|title=Waymo recalls, updates software for over 3000 vehicles, U.S. regulator says|date=2025-12-11|access-date=2025-12-11|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> * {{as of|2026|1|15|df=US}}, AISD has reported four violations since the recall.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.statesman.com/business/technology/article/austin-isd-waymo-new-school-bus-violations-21295527.php|title=Austin ISD says Waymo robotaxis continue to pass school buses despite software recall|first=Karoline|last=Leonard|date=2026-01-15|access-date=2026-01-15|work=Austin American-Statesman}}</ref> * The NHTSA launched a second investigation on January 23.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/waymo-probed-by-national-transportation-safety-board-over-illegal-school-bus-behavior/|title=Waymo probed by National Transportation Safety Board over illegal school bus behavior|date=2026-01-23|first=Sean|last=O'Kane|publisher=TechCrunch|access-date=2026-01-23}}</ref> * The NTSB launched an investigation into an incident on January 12, and released a preliminary report on March 3; the Waymo car stopped for the bus, but then asked a human operator whether the bus still had its lights on, and the human operator said no.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/ntsb-says-waymo-robotaxis-illegally-passed-stopped-school-buses-new-incidents-2026-03-03/|title=NTSB says Waymo robotaxis illegally passed stopped school buses in new incidents|first=David|last=Shepardson|publisher=Reuters|date=2026-03-03|access-date=2026-03-04}}</ref> * The NTSB launched another investigation following an incident on March 25.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/ntsb-adds-latest-waymo-school-bus-incident-to-growing-investigation|title=NTSB adds latest Waymo school bus incident to growing investigation|first=Tara|last=Brolley|date=2026-04-03|access-date=2026-04-03|publisher=KEYE-TV}}</ref>

=== Vandalism === In 2018, after the death of Elaine Herzberg — the first recorded case of a pedestrian fatality involving a self-driving car (an Uber test vehicle) — there were several cases of Waymo cars being vandalized.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/01/02/681752256/why-phoenix-area-residents-are-attacking-waymos-self-driving-fleet|title=Why Phoenix Area Residents Are Attacking Waymo's Self-Driving Fleet|date=2019-01-02|access-date=2025-11-07|publisher=NPR}}</ref>

In 2023, the San Francisco group ''Safe Street Rebel'' used a practice called "coning" to trap Waymo and Cruise cars with traffic cones as a form of protest after stating that the cars had been involved in hundreds of incidents.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Dana |date=August 26, 2023 |title=Armed with traffic cones, protesters are immobilizing driverless cars |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/08/26/1195695051/driverless-cars-san-francisco-waymo-cruise |publisher=NPR}}</ref>

In February 2024, during Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown, San Francisco, a mob of vandals attacked, graffitied, and set fire to a Waymo car. No one was injured.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Javaid |first=Maham |date=February 12, 2024 |title=San Francisco crowd sets self-driving car on fire |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/02/12/waymo-set-on-fire-san-francisco/ |access-date=2024-02-13 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Quintana |first=Sergio |date=February 13, 2024 |title=Authorities work to identify people who set Waymo car on fire in San Francisco |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco/waymo-car-fire-san-francisco/3452091/ |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=NBC Bay Area |language=en-US}}</ref>

In February 2024, a pair of Waymo passengers described an attack by an onlooker who attempted to cover the car's sensors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pena |first=Luz |date=February 8, 2024 |title=SF couple describes feeling 'trapped' riding in Waymo driverless car that was being attacked |url=https://abc7news.com/waymo-sf-attacked-self-driving-car-incidents/14397184/ |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=ABC7 San Francisco |language=en}}</ref>

In July 2024, Waymo sued two people who allegedly vandalized their cars.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://wired.com/story/waymo-sues-alleged-driverless-car-attackers/|title=Waymo Is Suing People Who Allegedly Smashed and Slashed Its Robotaxis|magazine=Wired|date=2024-07-22|access-date=2025-11-07|first=Paresh|last=Dave}}</ref>

During the June 2025 Los Angeles protests against mass deportation, several Waymo cars were set on fire when riots broke out. Officials including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the destruction, attributing it to extremists infiltrating otherwise-peaceful protests.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/7292652/waymo-self-driving-cars-vandalized-fire-protests-los-angeles-why/|title=Why Waymo's Self-Driving Cars Became a Target of Protesters in Los Angeles|first1=Chad|last1=de Guzman|first2=Callum|last2=Sutherland|magazine=Time|date=2025-06-09|access-date=2025-09-13}}</ref>

=== Use of camera footage by police === Waymo has been criticized for the use of its camera footage by law enforcement agencies.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/san-francisco-police-are-using-driverless-cars-as-mobile-surveillance-cameras/|date=2022-05-11|access-date=2026-03-22|title=San Francisco Police Are Using Driverless Cars as Mobile Surveillance Cameras|first=Aaron|last=Gordon|publisher=Vice Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/04/smile-youre-on-camera-self-driving-cars-are-here-and-theyre-watching-you|title=TechScape: Self-driving cars are here and they're watching you|first=Johana|last=Bhuiyan|date=2023-07-04|access-date=2026-03-22|work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.404media.co/lapd-publishes-crime-footage-it-got-from-a-waymo-driverless-car/|title=LAPD Publishes Crime Footage It Got From a Waymo Driverless Car|first=Jason|last=Koebler|date=2025-04-16|access-date=2026-03-22|work=404 Media|url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/waymo-data-privacy-protests-los-angeles/|title=How Waymo Handles Footage From Events Like the LA Immigration Protests|magazine=Wired|date=2025-06-11|access-date=2026-03-22|first=Caroline|last=Haskins}}</ref> According to Waymo, it "does not provide information or data to law enforcement without a valid legal request".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://gizmodo.com/waymos-driverless-cars-revealed-to-be-narcs-as-cops-use-them-to-probe-crimes-2000590426|title=Waymo's Driverless Cars Revealed to Be Narcs as Cops Use Them to Probe Crimes|work=Gizmodo|date=2025-04-17|access-date=2026-03-22|first=Lucas|last=Ropek}}</ref>

=== Other incidents ===

* In 2021, it was noted that Waymo cars kept routing through the Richmond District of San Francisco, with up to 50 cars each day driving to a dead end street before turning around.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pruitt-Young |first=Sharon |date=October 16, 2021 |title=Self-driving Waymo cars gather in a San Francisco neighborhood, confusing residents |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/10/16/1046752123/self-driving-cars-waymo-san-francisco |publisher=NPR}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/dead-end-sf-street-plagued-with-confused-waymo-cars-trying-to-turn-around-every-5-minutes/|title=Dead-End SF Street Plagued With Confused Waymo Cars Trying To Turn Around 'Every 5 Minutes'|date=2021-10-14|access-date=2025-11-24|publisher=CBS News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/14/22726534/waymo-autonomous-vehicles-stuck-san-francisco-dead-end|date=2021-10-14|access-date=2025-11-24|work=The Verge|title=Waymo's autonomous vehicles keep getting stuck in a dead-end street in San Francisco|first=Andrew J.|last=Hawkins}}</ref> * In August 2024, residents of San Francisco's SoMa district began to complain about noise pollution from Waymo vehicles honking at each other in a local parking lot. Residents reported that the car horns could be heard daily, with varying levels of activity, usually peaking around 4 AM and during evening rush hour. The honking appears to have been triggered by the self-driving cars backing in and out of the lot.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Benj |date=2024-08-13 |title=Self-driving Waymo cars keep SF residents awake all night by honking at each other |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/08/self-driving-waymo-cars-keep-sf-residents-awake-all-night-by-honking-at-each-other/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco/san-francisco-neighbors-say-waymo-honking-continues-global-audience-follows-along-live/3628687/|title=San Francisco neighbors say Waymo honking continues, global audience follows along live|publisher=KNTV|first=Alyssa|last=Goard|date=2024-08-18|access-date=2025-11-24}}</ref> The story caught attention after a resident began live streaming the cars. Waymo apologized and said the issue will be addressed with software updates.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Larson |first=Amy |date=19 August 2024 |title=Driverless Waymo cars still honking despite software fix |url=https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/driverless-waymo-cars-still-honking-despite-software-fix/ |access-date=6 September 2024 |publisher=KRON-TV}}</ref> * In December 2024, a Waymo car drove in circles around a parking lot with a passenger inside, which took several minutes to resolve remotely. Waymo says it has fixed the issue.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abc7news.com/post/waymo-inglewood-mans-ride-phoenix-airport-takes-turn-after-driving-car-gets-stuck-circles/15766636/|title=Man's ride to airport takes turn after Waymo gets stuck driving in circles|date=2025-01-07|access-date=2025-09-14|publisher=KGO-TV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/06/man-trapped-waymo-los-angeles|title=LA tech entrepreneur nearly misses flight after getting trapped in robotaxi|date=2025-01-06|quote=Waymo told the Guardian the "looping event" had been addressed by a regularly scheduled software update.|work=The Guardian|access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref> * In April 2025: ** A Waymo car got stuck in a drive-thru.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://ktla.com/news/local-news/waymo-gets-stuck-in-chick-fil-a-drive-thru/|publisher=KTLA|title=Waymo gets stuck in California Chick-fil-A drive-thru|first=Travis|last=Schlepp|date=2025-04-08|access-date=2025-09-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/waymo-shuts-chick-fil-a-drive-thru-20267376.php|work=SFGate|title=Confused Waymo shuts down Calif. restaurant's drive-thru|first=Stephen|last=Council|date=2025-04-09|access-date=2025-09-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/09/a-waymo-robotaxi-got-trapped-in-chick-fil-a-drive-through/|publisher=TechCrunch|title=A Waymo robotaxi got trapped in Chick-fil-A drive-through|first=Kirsten|last=Korosec|date=2025-04-09|access-date=2025-09-15}}</ref> ** A Waymo passenger reported being trapped in the car after it drove the wrong way and stopped in the middle of the road. According to Waymo, one of the passengers pressed the "pull over" button, and the passengers could have unlocked the doors by pulling twice on the door handle.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/waymo-car-austin-trapped-20286938.php|website=Chron.com|title=Passengers say they were trapped inside driverless vehicle in Austin|first=Ariana|last=Garcia|date=2025-04-21|access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/state/texas/article304770996.html|title=Woman and friends trapped in driverless car, TikTok video shows. Waymo responds|first=Mitchell|last=Willits|date=2025-04-22|access-date=2025-09-14|work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-woman-trapped-self-driving-taxi/285-165dfa37-2e6d-47e1-9dce-b98184777dac|publisher=KHOU|title=Woman says she got trapped inside driverless taxi in Austin|date=2025-04-23|access-date=2025-09-14|first=Cory|last=McCord}}</ref> * In November 2025, a Waymo car drove right next to an ongoing felony traffic stop.<ref name="Blankstein-2025">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/driverless-waymo-vehicle-inadvertently-takes-riders-tense-police-stop-rcna246994|title=Driverless Waymo vehicle goes through tense police stop in L.A.|date=2025-12-02|access-date=2025-12-02|first1=Andrew|last1=Blankstein|first2=Corky|last2=Siemaszko|publisher=NBC News|quote=The robotaxi operated by Waymo was driven just a few feet away from a Los Angeles police felony stop downtown following a vehicle chase early Sunday}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2025/12/01/waymo-police-standoff/|date=2025-12-01|access-date=2025-12-02|title=Way-No-No-No!!! Drives Into Police Standoff|publisher=TMZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailydot.com/news/waymo-crossfire-police-standoff-viral-video/|title="Incredible": Waymo robotaxi casually drives into active LAPD standoff in viral video|first=Anna|last=Good|date=2025-12-02|access-date=2025-12-02|work=The Daily Dot}}</ref> The vehicle was given a command by a police officer on how to proceed, but it did not comply.<ref name="Blankstein-2025" /> * In December 2025: ** A "minor collision" between two Waymo cars blocked an intersection.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/waymo-traffic-jam-robotaxi-21231307.php|title=Waymo traffic jam goes viral: Robotaxis butt heads on dead-end S.F. street|first=Rachel|last=Swan|date=2025-12-08|access-date=2025-12-08|work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ktvu.com/news/waymo-standoff-san-francisco-goes-viral|publisher=KTVU|title=Waymo standoff in San Francisco goes viral, company responds|first1=Lisa|last1=Fernandez|first2=Christien|last2=Kafton|date=2025-12-09|access-date=2026-01-22}}</ref> ** A Waymo passenger found a person hiding in the trunk of the car; Waymo was criticized for not having a system to detect this.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/waymo-robotaxi-man-in-trunk-21235567.php|title=A woman's Waymo rolled up with a stunning surprise: A man hiding in the trunk|first=Rachel|last=Swan|date=2025-12-10|access-date=2025-12-11|work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.kron4.com/news/technology-ai/viral-video-of-man-hiding-in-trunk-of-waymo-raises-safety-concerns/|publisher=KRON-TV|date=2025-12-10|access-date=2025-12-11|title=Viral video of man hiding in trunk of Waymo raises safety concerns|first=Alex|last=Baker}}</ref> ** A Waymo car got stuck on a bridge in the Venice Canal Historic District in Los Angeles during a parade.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/16/waymo-gets-paralyzed-by-venice-canal-parade/|title=Waymo Gets Paralyzed By Venice Canal Parade|date=2025-12-16|access-date=2025-12-19|work=CleanTechnica|first=Zachary|last=Shahan}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dailydot.com/news/venice-waymo-car-stuck-canal-bridge/|title="Yes you can!": Venice residents cheer Waymo car stuck at a canal bridge during annual parade|date=2025-12-17|access-date=2025-12-19|first=Lindsey|last=Weedston|work=The Daily Dot}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://futurism.com/advanced-transport/waymo-parade-traffic|title=Waymo Paralyzed by Parade, Blocks Traffic for 45 Minutes|date=2025-12-17|access-date=2025-12-19|first=Joe|last=Wilkins|work=Futurism}}</ref> ** A Waymo car drove the wrong way on a one-way street.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/austin/article/waymo-austin-i35-21245477.php|title='Just another day': Waymo caught driving wrong way on I-35 frontage road|date=2025-12-16|access-date=2025-12-19|publisher=MySA|first=Kelsey|last=Thompson}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://futurism.com/advanced-transport/waymo-wrong-way|work=Futurism|title=Waymo Spotted Driving Wrong Way Down Busy Street|date=2025-12-18|access-date=2025-12-19|first=Frank|last=Landymore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://mashable.com/article/waymo-robotaxi-footage-wrong-side-of-road-viral-video|publisher=Mashable|first=Tim|last=Marcin|date=2025-12-19|access-date=2025-12-19|title=Driverless Waymo seemingly drives straight into oncoming traffic in viral video}}</ref> ** {{anchor|San Francisco outage}}Waymo cars became inoperable during a large-scale power outage in San Francisco, blocking traffic and intersections. In response, Waymo temporarily halted ride-hailing services until power was restored.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Rao |first1=Sonia A. |last2=Morales |first2=Christina |last3=Sassoon |first3=Alessandro Marazzi |date=2025-12-21 |title=Waymo Suspended Service in San Francisco After Its Cars Stalled During Power Outage |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/us/waymo-suspended-service-in-san-francisco-after-problems-during-power-outage.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 23, 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keane |first=Isabel |date=2025-12-22 |title=Waymo suspends service in San Francisco after causing traffic jams during blackout |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/waymo-suspended-san-francisco-traffic-jams-blackout-b2888562.html |access-date=2025-12-23 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> Authorities expressed concern that similar behavior during a disaster would block emergency responders and residents fleeing danger.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baron |first=Ethan |date=2025-12-22 |title=Waymo robotaxis blink out and block traffic in SF blackout. What happens in the next emergency? |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/22/waymo-robotaxiswaymo-robotaxis-block-traffic-blackout-earthquake/ |access-date=2025-12-23 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US|url-access=subscription}}</ref> * In January 2026, a Waymo car drove on newly-built tracks of the Phoenix Valley Metro Rail.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/waymo-car-seen-driving-on-light-rail-tracks-phoenix-arizona/75-f0ab5a9d-26ae-4222-a0fd-4e0c5ead93fa|title=Waymo car seen driving on light rail tracks in Phoenix|publisher=KPNX|date=2026-01-07|access-date=2026-01-11|first1=Kevin|last1=Reagan|first2=Chase|last2=Golightly}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.azfamily.com/2026/01/08/waymo-passenger-flees-after-car-drives-phoenix-light-rail-tracks/|title=Waymo passenger flees after car drives on Phoenix light rail tracks|publisher=KTVK/KPHO-TV|date=2026-01-08|access-date=2026-01-11|first=Mickaela|last=Castillo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/close-passenger-flee-safety-waymo-161524075.html|title="That Was Close": Passenger Flee for Safety as Waymo Robotaxi Drives onto Train Tracks|date=2026-01-10|access-date=2026-01-11|publisher=Yahoo News|first=Philip|last=Uwaoma}}</ref> * In March 2026: ** A Waymo car in Austin attempted to make a U-turn but ended up stuck and blocked an ambulance responding to a mass shooting.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/02/waymo-vehicle-blocks-ems-austin-mass-shooting|title=Waymo robotaxi blocks EMS responding to Austin mass shooting|first=Nicole|last=Cobler|date=2026-03-01|access-date=2026-03-03|work=Axios}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Evans|first=Elizabeth|url=https://www.fox7austin.com/news/austin-6th-street-shooting-waymo-video-blocking-ambulance|title=Austin 6th Street shooting: Waymo caught on video blocking responding ambulance|date=March 2, 2026|access-date=March 2, 2026|publisher=KTBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Pelisek|first1=Christine|last2=Thayer|first2=Colton|url=https://people.com/waymo-vehicle-allegedly-blocks-emergency-crews-responding-austin-mass-shooting-11917679|title=Waymo Vehicle Allegedly Blocks Emergency Crews Responding to Austin Mass Shooting|work=People|date=2026-03-02|access-date=2026-03-02}}</ref> Waymo later declined to attend a public meeting about the incident.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/25/waymo-austin-safety-meeting|title=Scoop: Waymo will skip public meeting on ambulance-blocking robotaxi|work=Axios|date=2026-04-25|access-date=2026-04-25|first=Nicole|last=Cobler}}</ref> ** A Waymo stopped between the train and the bar gate at a railroad crossing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/waymo-train-tracks-texas-b2935778.html|title=Terrifying moment Waymo stops between railway tracks and stop arm as train passes by inches away|first=Mike|last=Bedigan|date=2026-03-10|access-date=2026-03-17|work=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/waymo-driverless-cars-stop-between-railroad-and-crossing-gates|title=Waymo driverless cars stop between railroad and crossing gates|date=2026-03-11|access-date=2026-03-17|first=Tara|last=Brolley|publisher=WOAI-TV}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ktsa.com/waymo-restricting-some-routes-for-autonomous-cars-after-viral-video-shows-one-stopped-at-railroad-crossing/|publisher=KTSA|title=Waymo restricting some routes for autonomous cars after viral video shows one stopped at railroad crossing|first=Christian|last=Blood|date=2026-03-12|access-date=2026-03-17}}</ref> * In April 2026: ** A Waymo car drove the wrong way in a school zone.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2026/04/02/watch-waymo-car-goes-wrong-way-in-alamo-heights-school-zone-concerns-parents/|publisher=KSAT-TV|date=2026-04-02|access-date=2026-04-03|title=WATCH: Waymo car goes wrong way in Alamo Heights school zone, concerns parents|first=Rebecca|last=Salinas}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/waymo-wrong-way-school-zone-alamo-heights-22185313.php|work=San Antonio Express-News|date=2026-04-02|access-date=2026-04-03|title=Waymo seen driving wrong way in Alamo Heights elementary school zone|first=Annasofia|last=Scheve}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/waymo-car-drives-wrong-way-in-cambridge-school-zone-snarls-drop-off-traffic-rideshare-driverless-cars-safety|publisher=WOAI-TV|title=Waymo car drives wrong way in Cambridge school zone, snarls drop-off traffic|date=2026-04-02|access-date=2026-04-03|first=Ethan|last=Trejo}}</ref> ** Waymo paused its operations in San Antonio after a car was swept away during a flood.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/waymo-briefly-pauses-san-antonio-operations-after-empty-vehicle-swept-into-flooded-roadway|publisher=WOAI-TV|title=Waymo briefly pauses San Antonio operations after empty vehicle swept into flooded roadway|date=2026-04-20|access-date=2026-04-21|first=Jessica|last=Warner}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/waymo-robotaxi-swept-away-san-antonio-flood-22217684.php|work=San Antonio Express-News|title=Waymo: Service paused after robotaxi swept away in San Antonio flood|first=Jacob|last=Beltran|date=2026-04-21|access-date=2026-04-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2026/04/21/waymo-temporarily-pauses-san-antonio-operations-after-vehicle-entered-flooded-road/|publisher=KSAT-TV|first=Spencer|last=Heath|title=Waymo temporarily pauses San Antonio operations after vehicle entered flooded road|date=2026-04-21|access-date=2026-04-21}}</ref> The shutdown has lasted for over a month.<ref name="shutdown-four">{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/21/waymo-pauses-service-in-four-cities-as-robotaxis-keep-driving-into-floods/|title=Waymo expands pause to four cities as robotaxis keep driving into floods|publisher=TechCrunch|first=Sean|last=O'Kane|date=2026-05-21|access-date=2026-05-21}}</ref> Waymo later recalled their robotaxis over this issue.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/waymo-recall-nearly-3800-robotaxis-over-self-driving-software-issue-2026-05-12/|title=Waymo recalls 3,800 robotaxis over risk of entering flooded roads|date=2026-05-12|access-date=2026-05-12|publisher=Reuters|first=David|last=Shepardson}}</ref> ** A Waymo car got stuck in Broadway, and had to get moved off the road by Metro Police<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jackson |first=Aubriella |date=April 20, 2026 |title=Body camera video shows officer moving Waymo blocking Broadway traffic |url=https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/bodycam-waymo-broadway-police/ |access-date=April 24, 2026 |work=WKRN News 2 |pages=1–5}}</ref> ** A Waymo car drove off with a passenger's luggage in the trunk.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/sj-passenger-waymo-drove-off-luggage/4078004/|publisher=KRON-TV|date=2026-04-30|access-date=2026-05-11|title=San Jose passenger claims a Waymo drove off with his luggage at the airport|first=Alyssa|last=Goard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sfist.com/2026/05/01/waymo-drives-off-with-south-bay-mans-luggage-after-trunk-fails-to-open/|date=2026-05-01|access-date=2026-05-11|work=SFist|title=Waymo Drives Off With South Bay Man's Luggage After Trunk Fails to Open|first=Leanne|last=Maxwell}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://people.com/man-says-waymo-dropped-him-at-airport-drove-away-with-his-luggage-report-11965205|work=People|date=2026-05-04|access-date=2026-05-11|title=Man Says His Waymo Dropped Him Off at the Airport, Then Drove Away with His Luggage Still Inside: Report|first=David|last=Chiu}}</ref> * In May 2026: ** Dozens of Waymo cars without passengers were seen circling around cul-de-sacs in Atlanta for hours at a time for several weeks. Waymo released a statement to WSB-TV claiming that these incidents were caused by a problem with their "routing behavior" and that Waymo was looking into the matter.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/empty-waymos-invade-atlanta-neighborhood-circle-cul-de-sac-hours-with-no-passengers/CSNV2G5CZFHHFP6BOH6YF5RCFU/|publisher=WSB-TV|date=2026-05-15|access-date=2026-05-21|title=Empty Waymos invade Atlanta neighborhood, circle cul-de-sac for hours with no passengers|first=Steve|last=Gehlbach}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/why-fleet-self-driving-waymo-suvs-flooded-quiet-buckhead-street|publisher=WAGA-TV|title=Why a fleet of self-driving Waymo SUVs flooded a quiet Atlanta street|first=Travis|last=Maurer|date=2026-05-15|access-date=2026-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/czx20g00ly1o|publisher=BBC|title=Waymo driverless cars become trapped in Atlanta suburb after glitch|date=2026-05-15|access-date=2026-05-21}}</ref> ** Waymo paused its service in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Austin, and Nashville due to flooding; service from San Antonio remained paused from the previous month.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/waymo-suspends-service-atlanta-after-driverless-vehicle-gets-stuck-in-flood-waters/85-8c1497d5-d1e5-44f7-94bc-3b584dbe2ffb|title=Waymo suspends service in Atlanta after driverless vehicle gets stuck in flood waters|first=Reeves|last=Jackson|publisher=WXIA-TV|date=2026-05-20|access-date=2026-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/waymo-pauses-service-metro-atlanta-after-ride-gets-stuck-flash-flood/DVB6DYGNV5HETNAZ762223W5K4/|publisher=WSB-TV|title=Waymo pauses service in metro Atlanta after car gets stuck in flash flood|first=Scott|last=Flynn|date=2026-05-21|access-date=2026-05-21}}</ref><ref name="shutdown-four"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/waymo-service-halt-weather-texas-atlanta-nashville-22272404.php|title=Waymo halts service across Texas, Atlanta and Nashville amid weather concerns|first=Brandon|last=Lingle|date=2026-05-22|access-date=2026-05-22|work=San Antonio Express-News}}</ref>

==Notes== {{reflist|group=note}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==Further reading== * {{cite episode | url = http://www.executivetalks.com/exe006.html | title = Episode Exe006: Sebastian Thrun, Director, Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory | series = Executive Talks | people = Grant, Christian | date = May 2007 | access-date = January 3, 2013 | archive-date = April 1, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210401042828/https://www.youtube.com/embed/tbGVWRIzZr4 | url-status = dead }} * {{cite magazine | url = https://www.wired.com/opinion/2013/07/the-surprising-ethics-of-robot-cars/ | title = The Ethics of Saving Lives with Autonomous Cars Are Far Murkier Than You Think | first = Patrick | last = Lin | magazine = Wired | date = July 30, 2013 | access-date = August 24, 2013}} * {{cite magazine | url = https://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2012/11/google-driverless-car-morality.html | title = Moral Machines | first = Gary | last = Marcus | magazine = The New Yorker | date = November 27, 2012 | access-date = August 24, 2013}} * {{cite news | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2013/05/08/silicon-valley-vs-detroit-the-battle-for-the-car-of-the-future/ | title = Silicon Valley vs. Detroit: The Battle for the Car of the Future | first = Joann | last = Muller | date = May 27, 2013 | work = Forbes}} * {{cite news | url = http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-04-03/the-problem-with-self-driving-cars-they-dont-cry#r=hpt-ls | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140404154928/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-04-03/the-problem-with-self-driving-cars-they-dont-cry#r=hpt-ls | url-status = dead | archive-date = April 4, 2014 | title = The Problem with Self-Driving Cars | first = Kyle | last = Stock | work = Bloomberg Businessweek | date = April 3, 2014 | access-date = April 6, 2014}} * {{citation | url = http://cyberlaw.stanford.edu/publications/automated-vehicles-are-probably-legal-united-states | title = Automated Vehicles Are Probably Legal in the United States | first = Bryant | last = Walker Smith | publisher = Stanford Law School | date = November 1, 2012 | access-date = August 24, 2013}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Waymo}}

* {{Official website}} * [https://openaccess.thecvf.com/content_CVPR_2020/html/Sun_Scalability_in_Perception_for_Autonomous_Driving_Waymo_Open_Dataset_CVPR_2020_paper.html Scalability in Perception for Autonomous Driving: Waymo Open Dataset] * [https://www.jjricks.com/videos Waymo Self Driving Car Videos]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414141749/https://www.jjricks.com/videos |date=April 14, 2024 }} – citizen journalist recording Waymo autonomous trips in Phoenix area {{Robotics}}{{Alphabet Inc.}} {{Autonomous cars and enabling technologies}}

Category:Waymo Category:Alphabet Inc. Category:Self-driving car companies Category:Electric vehicles Category:Silver Lake (investment firm) companies