Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Waymo, has launched driverless ride services for its employees in Austin, Texas, signalling a significant stride towards the expansion of its autonomous ride-hailing programme, ‘Waymo One.’ The announcement comes on the heels of Waymo’s recent permission to charge for rides in extended regions, including Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Started on Wednesday, Waymo’s driverless rides for staff will cover an expansive 43-square-mile area of Austin, encompassing large neighbourhoods and downtown districts. While initially limited to employees, Waymo has ambitious plans to eventually extend these services to the general public, making Austin the fourth location where the company’s autonomous vehicles will officially operate, joining the ranks of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. Although no specific timeline for public availability has been confirmed, Waymo’s move reflects a strategic push to broaden its footprint in the autonomous vehicle market.
Waymo’s history in Austin dates back to October 2015 when it provided a ride to a blind man in its prototype car, indicating a long-standing interest in the city as a potential hub for autonomous vehicle testing and operations. The regulatory climate in Texas, known for its relative leniency compared to California, is expected to play a pivotal role in Waymo’s expansion plans within the state.
Despite recent challenges faced by the autonomous vehicle industry, including GM’s Cruise under investigation for a pedestrian collision and Ford-backed Argo AI suspending operations, Waymo remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing autonomous vehicle technology. The company has navigated its share of setbacks, including a recent collision with a cyclist in San Francisco, but continues to push forward with its development plans.
Waymo One, the autonomous ride-hailing programme, holds substantial importance for the company’s revenue, particularly after the discontinuation of its autonomous trucking programme. The expansion of Waymo One into Austin underscores the company’s dedication to driving innovation in autonomous vehicle technology and providing cutting-edge transportation solutions to a broader audience.