Waymo Launches Fully Driverless Ride-Hailing for Public in Phoenix
Waymo opens its fully driverless ride-hailing service to the public in a 50-square-mile area of Phoenix. Existing members gain first access, with broader app availability planned for the coming weeks.
Waymo officially opens its fully driverless ride-hailing service to the public in the Phoenix area. Existing Waymo One members gain the first opportunity to invite family and friends on these "rider only" trips, which operate entirely without a human behind the wheel. The company plans to welcome additional users directly through its mobile app in the coming weeks.
While Waymo claims 100% of these specific rides are fully driverless, the service operates within a limited 50-square-mile footprint. The company clarifies that its broader Phoenix fleet still includes vehicles with trained safety operators and cars reserved for testing purposes. Waymo currently has about 300 to 400 vehicles operating in the greater Phoenix area.
Waymo CEO John Krafcik states the company is ready from both a safety and product satisfaction standpoint based on feedback from early riders. Later this year, Waymo will relaunch rides with human operators to expand capacity and geographical reach. The company is also installing in-vehicle barriers between the front and rear seats to enhance hygiene and safety for passengers.