The Global Expansion of Waymo
As the world’s first and leading autonomous vehicle technology company, Waymo, has continued to make significant strides in expanding its operations, with a growing presence in major cities around the globe. Its latest move marks a pivotal moment in the development of self-driving technology, as Waymo begins to drive its vehicles on Tokyo’s streets, making this the company’s first international location.
Partnership with Nihon Kotsu and Go
Waymo has partnered with Japanese taxi service Nihon Kotsu and taxi app Go to expand its operations into the Tokyo market. Trained Nihon Kotsu drivers will manually drive Waymo’s vehicles across seven Tokyo wards, including Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa, and Kōtō. This will allow engineers to test and adapt Waymo’s autonomous driving tech to local road features and traffic.
“The Same Principles Guide Us”
In a statement, Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s head of business development and strategic partnerships, said, “In Tokyo, we are abiding by the same steadfast principles that guide us in the US – commitment to safety, dedication to earning trust in communities where we operate, and collaboration with local officials and community groups here in Tokyo.”
Waymo’s International Expansion
Waymo currently operates fully autonomous rides for the general public in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Austin, Texas. The company has also announced plans to expand into 10 new cities this year, starting with Las Vegas and San Diego. Furthermore, Waymo is set to begin offering rides in Washington, DC, through its Waymo One app starting in 2026.
The Future of Waymo
Waymo has partnered with Hyundai to bring the next generation of its technology into Ioniq 5 SUVs. This partnership aims to make everyday riders able to summon autonomous vehicles using the Waymo One app. The company has also announced plans to test its sixth-generation Driver in the all-electric Zeekr vehicle and Ioniq 5 SUV.
Autonomous Rides: A Growing Reality
Autonomous rides take place aboard the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace, but Waymo is working towards making these rides available on highways and freeways. The company is currently testing fully autonomous freeway rides in Phoenix and making them available to Waymo employees in Los Angeles.
Hailing a Robotaxi in Major Cities
As Waymo continues to expand its operations, riders can now hail a robotaxi in various major cities. Here’s a breakdown of the different cities and how to hail a ride:
- Phoenix: Download the Waymo One app on iOS or Android to hail a ride. You can also use the Uber app to summon a Waymo vehicle.
- San Francisco: Download the Waymo One app to hail a ride. There is no Uber partnership in San Francisco.
- Los Angeles: Download the Waymo One app to hail a ride. Uber is not a partner in Los Angeles.
- Austin: To hail a Waymo ride, download the Uber app and request an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric ride.
Waymo’s Future Plans
Waymo will begin offering rides in Atlanta, Washington, DC, and Miami in the coming years. The company will collaborate with Moove, a fintech company, to manage the robotaxi’s fleet operations, facilities, and charging infrastructure. Waymo will continue to offer its service through the Waymo One app and remain responsible for validation and operation of the Waymo Driver.
Conclusion
As Waymo continues to expand its operations, the future of autonomous vehicles becomes increasingly clear. With its partnerships and expanding presence, Waymo is paving the way for a safer and more efficient transportation system. As riders continue to hail robotaxis in major cities, the technology will become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we travel.
