Waymo plans to extend driverless ride-hailing to freeways in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, stepping up its push to scale service as rivals fight for market share. The Alphabet unit signaled the move as competition for autonomous rides intensifies across major U.S. cities, and as regulators weigh safety and public trust.
Google subsidiary to offer services on San Francisco, LA and Phoenix freeways as it scales expansion amid competition.
Expansion Across Key Corridors
The freeway push builds on Waymo’s operating zones in San Francisco and Phoenix, and its growing presence in Los Angeles. The company has offered paid rides in Phoenix for years and expanded driverless service in San Francisco after state approvals in 2023. Freeway operations mark a new phase, targeting longer, faster trips between neighborhoods, airports, and business centers.
Freeway service matters because much of urban travel involves highway segments, not just surface streets. By adding these routes, Waymo can connect more of each metro area and make its service more useful during peak periods.
- San Francisco Bay Area: Linking city streets with I-280 and US-101 corridors could cut travel times.
- Los Angeles: Adding segments of I-10, I-405, and US-101 would reach car-heavy commutes.
- Phoenix: High-capacity roads suit the region’s spread-out layout and airport access.
Regulation and Oversight
California’s Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission govern testing and commercial robotaxi operations. Waymo secured key approvals in 2023 to charge fares in San Francisco and has continued working with local officials in Los Angeles. Arizona regulators have generally supported autonomous vehicle pilots in Phoenix, where Waymo has logged millions of miles…