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4w ago

Waymo to Launch Fully Autonomous Robotaxi Service in Washington, D.C., by 2026

The company plans to address regulatory hurdles while expanding its mapping and testing operations in the nation's capital.

Waymo self driving car waiting at a city intersection, San Francisco, California, March 18, 2025. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
FILE - Two Waymo driverless taxis stop before passing one another on a San Francisco street on Feb. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Terry Chea, File)
waymo driverless car in city
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Overview

  • Waymo announced plans to launch its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Washington, D.C., by 2026, contingent on changes to local regulations requiring human drivers in autonomous vehicles.
  • The company has been testing its vehicles in the city since January 2025, with safety drivers behind the wheel, as part of its preparation for the service rollout.
  • Washington, D.C., will be Waymo’s first market with regular snowfall, presenting unique operational challenges that the company is addressing through winter weather testing.
  • Waymo aims to expand its robotaxi services to Miami and Atlanta in 2026, alongside its D.C. launch, as part of its broader strategy to grow its market presence.
  • The expansion into D.C. aligns with Waymo’s efforts to advocate for a unified federal regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles, which could streamline operations and build public trust.