Waymo, the self-driving tech development unit of Google’s parent company Alphabet, has commercially launched its fully-autonomous robotaxi service (i.e. without a safety driver behind wheels) to the general public in downtown Phoenix.
The service will be available 24/7 for customers within the service area, and riders can request rides via the Waymo app. The company plans to expand the service to include more downtown locations in the coming months.
The company has not revealed the number of robotaxis that it intends to dedicate for its commercial operations in Phoenix but reportedly is set to meet a “healthy demand” for the service downtown.
Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle technology arm, Waymo, focuses on both goods and passenger transportation. Its “Waymo One” division focuses on autonomous ride-hailing services while “Waymo Via” is dedicated to autonomous cargo transportation. The vehicles under both units are powered by “Waymo Driver,” its autonomous driving technology platform.
Analyst QuickTake: Waymo first opened its safety driver-accompanied robotaxi service to trusted members in downtown Phoenix in May and also began testing airport rides with employees in downtown Phoenix at the time. Later in August, the company went on to launch fully driverless operations to trusted member partners in the area, which the company has now expanded to include the general public. Autonomous airport rides are also open to trusted members in downtown now. These recent developments show the company’s push towards commercialization faster.
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