Waymo Plans to Launch Self-Driving Ride-Hailing Service in Washington, D.C. by 2026

Alphabet’s Waymo is targeting a 2026 launch for its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Washington, D.C. The company began moving self-driving vehicles to the U.S. capital in January, with plans to expand its fleet in the coming weeks. Waymo is working closely with policymakers to establish the necessary legal framework, as the city currently does not allow fully autonomous vehicles to operate without a human driver.

Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service, Waymo One, already operates in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Austin, where it completes over 200,000 paid trips per week. The service is now set to expand into Atlanta, Miami, and, eventually, Washington, D.C. This move is part of Waymo’s broader effort to enhance its presence in the self-driving ride-hailing market despite ongoing concerns over safety.

Waymo has recently faced scrutiny from regulators, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, due to safety incidents involving its vehicles. However, the company asserts that its self-driving cars are involved in fewer crashes than human drivers. Waymo’s expansion into D.C. is a significant milestone in its pursuit of becoming a major player in the autonomous vehicle industry.

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