Waymo, the company behind the self-driving technology powering Waymo One, a ride-hailing service that replaces human drivers with fully autonomous cars, has recently made its presence felt in Los Angeles. A man on TikTok shared a glimpse of a Waymo cruising through the city, noting its sleek design compared to older robotaxis. The video went viral, drawing nearly 700 views and sparking both admiration and criticism.
The latest addition to Waymo’s fleet is the Zeekr RT minivan, making Zeekr the first Chinese car brand to break into the U.S. market. Although these vans are not yet available for hailing, they can be spotted in Los Angeles neighborhoods for charging and maintenance. Packed with advanced features, these vehicles are set to become a common sight on the road in the near future.
Waymo officially launched its full commercial robotaxi service in Los Angeles in November 2024, offering autonomous rides to the public through the Waymo One app. The service initially covered Santa Monica and parts of downtown before expanding to nearly 80 square miles across Los Angeles County. The rollout took over a year of testing and incremental expansion, culminating in a successful launch in November.
Residents of Los Angeles have mixed reactions to Waymo’s presence in the city. While some appreciate the convenience and safety benefits of autonomous driving, others are frustrated by certain Waymos parking in the same spots for long periods. Waymo explains that the cars find appropriate parking spots to wait between rides, aiming to match ride-hailing demand and vehicle supply while reducing traffic congestion.
Overall, Waymo’s expansion into Los Angeles signifies a significant step towards a future of autonomous transportation. With plans to expand to other cities like Las Vegas, San Diego, Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, D.C., Waymo is leading the way in revolutionizing the way we travel. Stay tuned for more updates as Waymo continues to make waves in the world of self-driving technology.