What’s Happening
Waymo is substantially expanding its ride-hailing service area in Metro Phoenix and extending its reach in San Francisco to connect more communities and serve more riders. In Metro Phoenix, Waymo will double its service area and connect downtown with East Valley territories, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa. The expansion covers 180 square miles, making it the world’s largest fully autonomous service area. Additionally, Waymo is opening a second location to access Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at the new 24th Street PHX SkyTrain® Station.
Why It Matters
Waymo’s expansion allows for the service to accommodate the rapidly growing population and increasing demand for autonomous transportation in both Phoenix and San Francisco. With more than 150 million people using ride-hailing services in the U.S., the company is positioning itself for continued growth as it commercializes its technology. The expansion also demonstrates Waymo’s commitment to refining its Waymo Driver technology and improving operational efficiencies throughout its fleet.
Key Points
- Waymo currently serves over 10,000 trips per week to public riders.
- The company plans to accelerate that number to 100,000 trips per week by next summer.
- In San Francisco, Waymo is onboarding new riders and expanding its service area to include Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach.
- Waymo is the only company offering fully autonomous rides to the public across the majority of San Francisco, 24 hours a day.
- The expansion includes software updates, such as improved hand gesture detection, multi-point maneuvers, and driving performance enhancements in inclement weather.
- Waymo vehicles now accommodate up to four passengers, offering more flexibility for riders.
Bottom Line
Waymo’s latest expansions in Metro Phoenix and San Francisco signify a significant step forward in the company’s growth and commitment to providing convenient, safe, and efficient transportation options. As the only and largest 24/7 fully autonomous ride-hailing service in the world, the company aims to serve more trips to more riders in more places. Over the next few months, the focus will be on growing ridership and increasing capacity in both San Francisco and Metro Phoenix, while also expanding rider-only testing operations in Los Angeles, their third major ride-hail city.
