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Waymo Launches Driverless Freeway Rides in SF, LA and Phoenix, Expands to San Jose Airport

The phased rollout prioritizes trips where freeways are faster under new safety procedures coordinated with highway patrols.

Overview

  • Freeway-capable trips start with early-access users, with riders matched to highways only when that route is meaningfully quicker.
  • Waymo says its vehicles can retain control if a system fails, supported by freeway-specific protocols developed with local safety agencies.
  • The company remains the only operator of a paid U.S. robotaxi service without in-vehicle safety drivers or monitors and fields a fleet of over 1,500 vehicles.
  • Service now reaches San Jose, including Mineta San Jose International Airport, the second airport in Waymo’s network after Phoenix Sky Harbor.
  • The expansion proceeds as Tesla offers app-based rides with human drivers and Zoox provides free robotaxi rides on and around the Las Vegas Strip.