Robotaxi testing by Waymo broadens to Denver and Seattle cities

Waymo Expands Autonomous Ride-Hailing Operations Across U.S.

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet, is making significant strides in scaling its robotaxi operations. The company has announced plans to bring autonomous ride-hailing to more U.S. cities, including Denver and Seattle, as part of its goal to enter 10 new markets by the end of 2025.

The testing fleet in each city will consist of up to 12 vehicles, including all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUVs and Geely's Zeekr autonomous vans. These vehicles have been previously deployed in other Waymo markets. The unique challenges posed by Denver and Seattle's weather conditions, such as snow, heavy rain, and strong winds, could potentially broaden the applicability of Waymo's autonomous technology.

Initially, the testing phase in both cities will involve company safety drivers overseeing the vehicles' steering and braking. Waymo has already operated commercial robotaxi services in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta. Rides in select cities are available through the Uber app in addition to Waymo's dedicated Waymo One app.

Waymo deepened its partnership with Uber by integrating its fleet into the ride-hailing giant's Atlanta and Austin operations in June. The company is planning to launch its commercial robotaxi services in Dallas, Miami, and Washington, D.C., but has not provided details on the specific timing for these launches.

The company is currently testing in New York City, a challenging market in the U.S., after securing permits last month. Successfully navigating these conditions could be a critical milestone for scaling robotaxi operations in regions beyond fair-weather cities like Phoenix.

It's worth noting that the specific names or identities of the safety drivers for Waymo's robotaxi test drives in Denver and Seattle are not publicly disclosed in available sources. Waymo intends to roll out fully autonomous rides, pending regulatory approval, after data collection and safety evaluations are complete.

This move marks the latest step in Waymo's broader strategy to expand its Waymo One service beyond its existing markets, aiming to bring autonomous ride-hailing to more U.S. cities and potentially revolutionising the transportation industry.