Self-Driving Taxis Hit the Road in Los Angeles

self-driving taxis

Los Angeles commuters, rejoice! Waymo, the self-driving taxi service from Alphabet (Google’s parent company), has officially launched its operations in a designated area of the city.

Waymo One Now Available in LA

This means you can ditch the stress of traffic and let Waymo’s “world’s most experienced drivers” (their autonomous technology) take the wheel. Currently, Waymo One operates 24/7 across a 63-square-mile stretch, running from Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles.

Limited Launch for Now

While exciting, it’s important to note this is a limited launch. Waymo’s initial fleet consists of fewer than 50 cars and won’t include service at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) for now. Additionally, Mayor Karen Bass has expressed concerns about wider adoption, calling for more testing and local control over autonomous vehicles.

The Future of Transportation in LA

Despite these initial limitations, Waymo’s arrival marks a significant step towards a future with self-driving taxis. This launch follows successful operations in San Francisco and Phoenix, with plans for expansion into San Mateo County (California) and Austin, Texas.

Ready to Ride?

If you’re interested in experiencing the future of transportation, you can join the waitlist through the Waymo One app. They’ll contact you when it’s your turn to hail a self-driving taxi in LA!pen_sparktunesharemore_vert