Home / Technology / Robotaxis Expand: Waymo Adds 3 Cities, Zoox Tests Houston
Robotaxis Expand: Waymo Adds 3 Cities, Zoox Tests Houston
1 Sep
Summary
- Waymo now serves 14 U.S. cities with robotaxi rides.
- Zoox will begin testing vehicles in Houston and San Diego.
- Waymo aims for 1 million weekly rides by year's end.
Alphabet's Waymo has launched public robotaxi services in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa, expanding its commercial operations to a total of 14 U.S. cities. Concurrently, Amazon's Zoox announced plans to commence testing its vehicles in Houston and San Diego, potentially increasing its market presence to 12 U.S. locations. Waymo anticipates a gradual rollout in these new cities, with tens of thousands already signed up for rides and initial fleets of dozens growing to hundreds.
Waymo's expanded fleet now includes the Ojai minivan, featuring its sixth-generation self-driving system, which will be available in Denver and San Diego. The company is currently completing over 500,000 paid trips weekly and aims to reach one million by the close of the year. Zoox's testing in Houston and San Diego will involve safety drivers, while Las Vegas remains its sole market offering paid rides to the public.
Denver serves as a key market for Waymo's expansion into colder climates, with the Ojai engineered for winter conditions. The company's growth accelerated after a partnership with Uber in March 2025, which led to service in Austin and subsequently seven other markets. Waymo is also planning future services in London and Munich.
