Waymo’s robotaxis now open to anyone who wants a driverless ride in Los Angeles

Waymo has officially opened its robotaxi service to everyone in Los Angeles, marking a significant leap in the world of self-driving technology. This expansion comes after eight months of limited rides available to a select group, as over 300,000 eager passengers waited for their turn. Now, with the Waymo One app in hand, anyone can request a ride across an expansive 80-square-mile area in California’s second-largest city.

Waymo’s journey began 15 years ago as a secretive project at Google, evolving into a formidable player in the autonomous vehicle space. Initially launching in Phoenix in 2020, they’ve since extended their reach, first into San Francisco, and now into Los Angeles, directly competing with ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft.

Despite the challenges, Waymo reports transporting over 50,000 passengers each week, which has bolstered their confidence and financial backing. Recently, they raised a staggering $5.6 billion from Alphabet, along with notable investors. Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana emphasized the growing acceptance of autonomous rides, highlighting the service’s rapid maturation.

Though Waymo has made strides, it continues to operate at a loss, as part of Alphabet’s “Other Bets” division, which reported a $3.3 billion deficit. However, the company’s commitment to safety stands strong, with over 20 million autonomous miles driven and a record free of serious accidents.

In a landscape bustling with competition, Waymo stands out, but they have challengers, including Tesla, aiming for a rival service, and Cruise, which is working to regain trust after setbacks. With collaborations underway, including partnerships with Uber, the future of robotaxis is shaping up to be an exciting ride for all!

Will you be taking a ride in one of Waymo’s driverless taxis soon? Let us know in the comments!


Author is under Coach Carl.