Sign up for our weekly emails to stay up to date on the latest news!
Waymo has announced the full rollout of its autonomous ride-hailing service in San Francisco, making it available to all residents and visitors. This expansion emphasizes safety, sustainability, and convenience, offering a new mode of transport that supports local businesses and reduces carbon emissions.
Key Highlights:
- Waymo’s Full Availability: Starting today, anyone in San Francisco can hail a Waymo ride, available 24/7, through the Waymo app. This marks a significant expansion from its previous limited access.
- Impact on Local Economy: Approximately 30% of Waymo rides in San Francisco connect passengers to local businesses, boosting the local economy. Riders frequently use the service for medical appointments, social outings, and even weddings.
- Environmental Benefits: Waymo’s fleet is fully electric, using 100% renewable energy from San Francisco’s CleanPowerSF program. Since August 2023, Waymo has helped reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 570,000 kg.
- Rider Safety and Inclusion: Over half of Waymo riders feel safer using the service. The company’s focus on safety extends to supporting diverse communities, including transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, who appreciate the discrimination-free environment.
- Tourist Attraction: Visitors to San Francisco have embraced Waymo for sightseeing, enjoying iconic landmarks like the Presidio and the Ferry Building. The app supports multiple languages, enhancing accessibility for a diverse group of riders.
- Safety Record: With over 20 million rider-only miles and nearly 2 million paid public trips, Waymo boasts an exemplary safety record. The Waymo Driver technology is designed to prevent high-severity collisions, contributing to overall road safety.
San Franciscans are embracing Waymo for its safety, sustainability, and convenience. Michelle Cusano, Executive Director at The Richmond Neighborhood Center, expresses gratitude for living in a city that embraces technology to improve lives.
Environmental and Safety Commitment: Waymo’s commitment to sustainability and safety is evident. The company sources renewable energy, contributing significantly to California’s ride hail emissions goals. Furthermore, Waymo’s autonomous driving technology demonstrates superior safety performance compared to human drivers.
Community and Road Safety: Waymo collaborates with organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to enhance road safety. Patricia Rillera, MADD California State Executive Director, underscores the importance of autonomous vehicles in preventing tragedies caused by impaired driving.
Waymo’s Proven Track Record: With over six years of safe operations and more than 50,000 weekly rides across three major urban areas, Waymo has established itself as a leader in autonomous driving. Scientific studies validate the Waymo Driver’s ability to avoid severe collisions and its lower rates of insurance claims and police reports compared to human drivers.
Commitment to Gradual and Responsible Growth: Waymo emphasizes the importance of scaling operations safely and responsibly. The company works closely with local officials, first responders, and road safety advocates to ensure its service benefits the community.
Waymo’s full launch in San Francisco represents a significant milestone in autonomous transportation. By offering safe, sustainable, and convenient rides, Waymo is reshaping urban mobility and keeping San Francisco at the forefront of technological innovation.
Sign up for our weekly emails to stay up to date on the latest news!
