Waymo is making a big move in the self-driving car world by becoming the first company in the U.S. to offer fully driverless rides on highways. Starting Wednesday, its robotaxis will begin carrying passengers on freeway routes in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, operating around the clock.
This new service is opening first to users who opt in to try the feature. Over time, Waymo plans to let more riders experience freeway trips, but it hasn’t said when it might bring these routes to other cities.
Allowing robotaxis to use highways is a major step for Waymo. Until now, its vehicles avoided freeways, which made rides longer. This update means trips can be faster and more direct, helping Waymo better compete against regular taxis and ride-hailing apps that can drive on highways without restrictions.
Waymo’s technology for freeway driving builds on what it already uses in city streets. The company used a mix of closed-course testing and computer simulations to prepare for highway challenges. The cars can keep up with traffic at speed limits and, if there’s a problem, they’re designed to safely exit the freeway and pull over on a nearby road.
In addition to freeway rides, Waymo is expanding in the Bay Area to include San Jose, offering service near San Jose International Airport. The company also talks regularly with San Francisco International Airport about future plans.
Right now, Waymo has a fleet of about 1,000 cars in the San Francisco area, with smaller numbers in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta. The company does not expect the added highway service to cause more traffic congestion.
Other companies are also testing highway driving. Tesla started its own self-driving taxi service in Austin with a safety driver behind the wheel during freeway trips. Chinese robotaxi company WeRide offers freeway rides in Abu Dhabi but also keeps safety drivers on board.
Waymo’s move to driverless freeway rides is a significant moment. It shows the company is pushing ahead with self-driving technology that works not just in city streets but also on fast-moving highways, making autonomous taxis a more practical option for everyday trips.