Google’s autonomous driving division, Waymo, is expanding its self-driving robotaxi services to yet another city in the U.S. In a recent press release, Waymo announced its plans to bring its autonomous ride-hailing vehicles to Washington D.C. in 2026. This announcement comes after the company revealed its intentions to deploy the service in Atlanta, Georgia, and Miami, Florida, in the next few years.
Unlike some cities where Waymo will partner with other companies, the Washington D.C. services will be operated through the Waymo One app. Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo’s Co-CEO, expressed excitement about bringing the convenience, safety, and consistency of Waymo One to the residents and visitors of Washington D.C.
Waymo is actively collaborating with legislators to establish the necessary regulations for operating driverless vehicles in the nation’s capital. The company currently operates over 200,000 fully autonomous, paid driverless ride-hails per week, positioning itself as a leader in the autonomous driving space. As other companies like Tesla gear up to enter the commercial robotaxi market, Waymo continues to pave the way for self-driving technology.
Jonathan Adkins, CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association, commended Waymo’s commitment to safety and highlighted the company’s efforts to prioritize the well-being of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users. As Waymo expands its services to new cities, it continues to focus on safety and collaboration with local communities.
In addition to Washington D.C., Waymo has also partnered with Uber to launch robotaxi services in Austin, Texas. This move comes as Tesla prepares to introduce unsupervised drives with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and roll out its own robotaxi services later this year. While Tesla’s approach differs from Waymo’s, both companies are driving innovation in the autonomous vehicle industry.
As the competition heats up in the autonomous driving sector, companies like Waymo and Tesla are pushing boundaries and revolutionizing transportation. With a focus on safety, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology, these companies are shaping the future of mobility and redefining the way we travel.