In a strategic move, Waymo, the autonomous vehicle pioneer, has unveiled its plans to extend its ride-hail service to Austin, Texas. The vibrant capital of the state is poised to become the fourth major city to host Waymo’s commercial operations, joining the ranks of Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
In recent months, Waymo embarked on a comprehensive testing phase, deploying its fleet of all-electric Jaguar I-Pace autonomous vehicles on the bustling streets of Downtown Austin. This approach aimed to acquaint the Waymo Driver—the core autonomous driving technology—with the unique characteristics of the city, a foundational step toward ensuring a successful early testing phase.
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The testing phase has yielded encouraging results, prompting Waymo to make a significant announcement regarding its Waymo One operations in Austin. As part of this announcement, the company revealed its intention to initiate the “initial phase of operations” in the upcoming fall season. This is likely to involve enlisting “trusted testers” for ride experiences, a model previously implemented in San Francisco, before progressively expanding the service to the broader public at a later stage.
Saswat Panigrahi, Waymo’s Chief Product Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion into Austin, describing the city as “one of the most vibrant and dynamic” in the country. He underscored the Waymo Driver’s swift adaptation to Austin’s intricate urban landscape, emphasizing the potential of autonomous vehicles to enhance safety, environmental sustainability, and accessibility in transportation. Panigrahi anticipates the residents of Austin to directly experience these benefits, marking a notable advancement in the city’s transportation offerings.
See also: Waymo to launch autonomous taxi service in Los Angeles
While Waymo forges ahead with its Austin expansion, the company finds itself in a holding pattern concerning its operational progress in other urban centers. Presently, Waymo is in the awaiting phase for a permit from the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC) to formally commence its services in Los Angeles. Concurrently, Waymo’s aspirations for operational growth in San Francisco encounter opposition, highlighting the complexities inherent in navigating the regulatory landscape and public sentiment.
