Waymo's Robotaxi Service Hits 250,000 Weekly Rides – A New Milestone

Waymo Surpasses 250,000 Paid Robotaxi Rides Per Week in the U.S.

Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous vehicle unit, has reported significant growth, now completing more than 250,000 paid robotaxi rides per week in the U.S. This is a marked increase from the 200,000 rides per week reported in February, largely due to Waymo’s expansion into Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area in March. For more details on Waymo’s expanding services, you can explore its recent expansion into San Jose here.

The company’s impressive growth is a reflection of its ongoing efforts to scale its commercial, driverless ride-hailing services. Waymo currently operates in major markets, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin, with plans to expand further. This expansion is being made possible through strategic partnerships with companies like ride-hailing giant Uber, automakers, and businesses specializing in fleet operations and vehicle maintenance.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, remarked on the company's vision:

"We can’t possibly do it all ourselves."

Despite its growth, Waymo has not fully defined its long-term business model. Pichai also hinted at the potential for future models involving the personal ownership of vehicles equipped with Waymo's self-driving technology. The company continues to explore different approaches to scaling its services in a rapidly evolving market.

Earlier this month, Waymo and Uber announced plans to allow interested riders to sign up for the robotaxi service in Atlanta, which is expected to launch this summer. This marks a significant step forward in Waymo's strategy to expand its footprint in key U.S. cities, as it partners with Uber to bring the driverless ride-hailing experience to even more people.

Waymo's autonomous vehicle technology has allowed it to stay ahead of its competitors, including Tesla. Tesla, which has long promised to introduce self-driving vehicles capable of operating as robotaxis, still faces challenges in meeting safety standards and regulatory approvals for fully driverless operation. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, criticized Waymo's approach, calling their autonomous vehicles "very expensive" and produced in "low volume." Tesla’s approach relies heavily on cameras, while Waymo utilizes lidar technology, sensors, and cameras to navigate safely.

As competition intensifies, other companies such as Amazon-owned Zoox, Mobileye, and international players like Baidu’s Apollo Go are entering the autonomous vehicle space. The growing interest and investment in robotaxi services suggest a future where autonomous transportation is a central part of the ride-hailing landscape.

”Waymo is building partnerships with ride-hailing app Uber, automakers and operations and maintenance businesses that tend to its vehicle fleets.”