Waymo Debuts First Commercial Robotaxi Service in Phoenix
Waymo launches Waymo One, a commercial ride-hailing service using self-driving cars in the Phoenix area. The service currently relies on human backup drivers as the company cautiously expands its autonomous technology.
Waymo officially launches Waymo One, marking the company's first commercial ride-hailing service with self-driving cars. Customers in a portion of the metro Phoenix area use a smartphone app to request an autonomous vehicle 24/7, complete with standard ridesharing features like price estimates and trip reviews. The vehicles accommodate up to three adults and one child per trip.
The company takes a cautious approach to this commercial debut by initially limiting the service to existing early riders from its test programs. Human drivers remain behind the wheel ready to take control if necessary, and riders have fast access to phone and chat support. Waymo continues to test new features, including fully driverless operations, in a separate testing program before integrating them into the commercial app.
Waymo plans to gradually open the service to the general public, though fully driverless rides remain a question of when rather than if. The Alphabet-owned company proceeds carefully to avoid the high-profile accidents that have plagued other autonomous vehicle efforts. Future expansion depends heavily on both technological improvements for harsh weather and evolving legislation, even though Waymo already holds permission to test driverless cars on California roads.