Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet specializing in self-driving technology, has recently announced its plans to introduce a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Dallas, Texas, by 2026. The decision to expand into Dallas was influenced by the city’s bustling downtown area, rapid population growth, and the increasing demand for innovative transportation solutions.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Waymo revealed that it will launch its driverless fleet in Dallas through the Waymo app, providing around-the-clock autonomous transportation services for both locals and tourists. This service will cater to a wide range of needs, from commuting to sporting events like Dallas Mavericks games, to exploring the city’s vibrant culinary and arts scenes. Furthermore, Waymo’s introduction in Dallas aligns with the city’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to minimize road traffic fatalities by implementing safer transportation alternatives.
Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming launch, stating, “We look forward to bringing our fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the people of Dallas next year. Working together with our fleet partner Avis, Waymo will offer more riders a stress-free way to get around.”
To support its operations in Dallas, Waymo has entered into a strategic partnership with Avis Budget Group. This collaboration will involve Avis managing Waymo’s fleet in Dallas, handling vehicle maintenance, infrastructure, and depot operations. The partnership is expected to accelerate the growth of Waymo’s robotaxi services across North America.
Brian Choi, CEO of Avis Budget Group, commented on the collaboration, saying, “Our partnership with Waymo marks a significant milestone in our transformation from a car rental company to a key player in fleet management and mobility services. Together, we are committed to making autonomous mobility a reality for the people of Dallas, with plans to expand to other cities in the near future.”
Dallas will join a roster of cities where Waymo currently operates or plans to expand, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Miami, and Washington D.C. Earlier this summer, Waymo also announced its intention to reintroduce its services in New York City, albeit initially with human drivers at the helm.
Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Dallas City Manager, expressed excitement about the upcoming launch, stating, “We are thrilled that fully autonomous ride-hailing services will commence in Dallas next year.” Currently, Waymo completes over 250,000 paid rides and logs millions of miles of autonomous driving every week across five major U.S. cities.
In conclusion, Waymo’s forthcoming entry into the Dallas market signifies a significant step towards revolutionizing urban mobility through autonomous technology. The partnership with Avis Budget Group and the city’s embrace of innovative transportation solutions set the stage for a seamless integration of autonomous ride-hailing services in Dallas by 2026.