Home / Technology / Waymo Robotaxis Hit 1 Million Rides Milestone
Waymo Robotaxis Hit 1 Million Rides Milestone
12 Feb
Summary
- Waymo anticipates over one million paid weekly robotaxi rides by year-end.
- The company plans expansion into 20 cities domestically and internationally.
- Waymo is addressing safety concerns and enhancing cost-effectiveness.
Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous driving division, is projected to exceed one million paid weekly robotaxi rides by the close of 2024. This significant growth follows a quadrupling of services in 2025.
The company aims to expand its testing and launch commercial services in 20 cities this year, both within the United States and internationally. Progress in new markets can be swift, sometimes taking only months from mapping to paid rides, though regulatory landscapes can slow this process.
Waymo successfully raised $16 billion at a $126 billion valuation earlier this month, reflecting confidence in its technology and consumer adoption. The company is focused on becoming more cost-effective while expanding its fleet and services, which currently operate in about half a dozen US cities.
Recent safety incidents, including a low-speed collision with a child in Santa Monica and improper driving near school buses in Austin, have led to regulatory investigations. Waymo stated it is cooperating with authorities and has implemented software updates to address these concerns, emphasizing the advanced capabilities of its safety systems.
