Waymo began offering fully autonomous rides to its first public riders in Las Vegas this week, after more than 100,000 people expressed interest in the service. The company says the launch follows months of studying the city’s roads, and that Las Vegas will join Denver and San Diego as the first markets where most of the fleet is the Ojai vehicle running the sixth-generation Waymo Driver. Access will widen gradually to more riders across Clark County, according to the company.
Highlights
- More than 100,000 people registered interest in riding before the public launch
- Service area described as nearly 24 miles, running the Strip from Boulder Junction to Sahara Avenue and from the edge of Spring Valley to Winchester
- Las Vegas is one of the first three cities with a majority-Ojai fleet, alongside Denver and San Diego
- Waymo reports its Driver is involved in 94% fewer serious-injury-or-worse crashes than human drivers over the same distance
Where Can Riders Hail a Waymo in Las Vegas?
Riders can hail trips from Boulder Junction north along Las Vegas Boulevard to Sahara Avenue, with the service area also connecting the edge of Spring Valley to Winchester. Waymo named Allegiant Stadium and The Venetian among the destinations it is targeting for riders, both under existing partnerships.
The company positions the service for residents and visitors alike, covering trips to casinos as well as neighborhood destinations.
“Cruising down Las Vegas Boulevard in a Waymo will make anyone feel like a high roller,” said Jackie Hyun, Head of Marketing at Waymo. “Our Ojai vehicle offers a spacious cabin, large screens and a load of customizations that help riders arrive safe and comfortable, throughout our nearly 24-mile service area.”
A Majority-Ojai Fleet
Las Vegas, Denver, and San Diego are the first Waymo cities where the Ojai — the purpose-built vehicle carrying the sixth-generation Waymo Driver — makes up most of the fleet. The company began putting the Ojai into public service after scaling integration at its Mesa, Arizona, plant.
Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley welcomed the launch. “Las Vegas and its neighborhoods are evolving rapidly, and expanding smart, clean transit options is essential for our city’s future,” she said. “The public rollout of Waymo’s all-electric autonomous ride-hailing brings technology directly to our municipal streets, helping residents and patrons travel seamlessly between the cultural districts and neighborhood centers. By investing in cleaner, safer urban mobility, we ensure the City of Las Vegas remains an accessible, vibrant, and forward-looking community.”
Rollout and Safety Record
Waymo says it will steadily extend access to more riders in Clark County as it works toward opening the service to everyone, following the phased approach it has used in other recent city launches.
The company has been validating the Waymo Driver’s performance across the city since its initial local testing. Citing its published safety impact data, Waymo reports that the Waymo Driver is involved in 94% fewer serious injury or worse crashes than human drivers over the same distance driven.
