Waymo, the autonomous driving unit of Alphabet, is expanding its robotaxi operations in California. The company now offers service in new areas of San Francisco and Los Angeles, aiming to attract more riders and enhance its market presence. These expansions mark a significant step in Waymo’s strategy to increase its operational footprint and provide more accessible autonomous transportation solutions.
In 2024, Waymo removed its waitlist in San Francisco, opening its service to the public after initially welcoming new riders incrementally. This move has resulted in substantial demand from both locals and visitors. Concurrently, Waymo began commercial operations in Los Angeles in March 2024, with over 150,000 people signing up for the waitlist. The company has been scaling its vehicle supply to meet rider demand in both cities.
Expanded Service Areas
Waymo’s service now includes the San Francisco Peninsula, extending its coverage by an additional 10 square miles to include Daly City, Broadmoor, and Colma. This expansion brings Waymo’s total service area in San Francisco to 55 square miles. In Los Angeles, the company’s service now spans Marina del Rey, Mar Vista, Playa Vista, Hollywood, Chinatown, and Westwood, covering a total of 79 square miles in LA County.
Significant Milestones
Waymo reports that its robotaxis have completed more than 2 million paid trips and driven over 20 million miles fully autonomously. Saswat Panigrahi, Waymo’s Chief Product Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing the service’s quality and reach.
“Our team is laser focused on refining Waymo One to be as seamless and useful as possible for our riders,”
he said.
Waymo One has been growing steadily in its three commercial service locations: San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. The company now serves over 50,000 paid rides per week across these cities. Additionally, Alphabet’s Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat announced a multi-year investment commitment of up to $5 billion into Waymo, underscoring the significance of the autonomous vehicle unit in the company’s long-term strategy.
Waymo’s continuous expansion and significant investments indicate a robust growth trajectory for the company. By increasing service areas and scaling operations, Waymo is positioning itself as a key player in the autonomous transportation sector. This sustained growth, coupled with significant ridership and mileage milestones, highlights the increasing acceptance and demand for autonomous transportation solutions in urban environments.
