- Waymo opened service in Los Angles, operate zone spans about 80 square miles around LA.
- Waymo’s launch of its ride-hailing service marked a major milestone in practical viability of fully autonomous vehicles.
What happened
Waymo has officially launched its autonomous robotaxi service, Waymo One (ride-hailing service), to the general public in Los Angeles as of November 12, 2024. Previously, the service was open only to a waitlist of approximately 300,000 individuals. Now anyone can book rides using the Waymo One app without any restrictions or invitation codes. The operational zone spans about 80 square miles, covering key areas from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica, including Hollywood and parts of South LA. The service utilizes fully electric Jaguar I-PACEs, ensuring an environmentally friendly transportation option.
“Now is an exciting time to welcome everyone in Los Angeles along for the ride,” Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, said in a news release Tuesday. “Our service has matured quickly and our riders are embracing the many benefits of fully autonomous driving. We’re so grateful to all of our first riders in LA, and we can’t wait to serve more riders soon.”
Also read:GM’s Cruise recalls 1,200 robotaxis to conclude US investigation
Also read:Tesla’s robotaxi push: Elon Musk claims driverless cars will be safer with full autonomy
Why it’s important
Waymo’s launch of its ride-hailing service marks a major milestone in autonomous vehicle technology. By opening its self-driving taxi service to the public in select areas, Waymo demonstrates the practical viability of fully autonomous vehicles. This move is significant because it takes the concept of driverless cars from a futuristic idea to a real, everyday service that people can use. It also challenges traditional transportation models, offering a glimpse into a future where personal car ownership might become less necessary.
Waymo’s service, initially available in parts of Phoenix, Arizona, includes fully autonomous electric vehicles with no safety driver behind the wheel. This approach shows Waymo’s confidence in its technology and its potential to reshape urban mobility. Furthermore, it pushes the boundaries of regulatory approval and provides valuable data to refine AI and machine learning systems involved in driving decisions. The success of this initiative could spur competitors to innovate, leading to broader adoption of autonomous ride-hailing services worldwide, transforming the way people think about and use transportation.
