Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service Across Silicon Valley

Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service in Silicon Valley, adding 27 more square miles to its coverage. The expansion includes Mountain View, Los Altos, Palo Alto, and parts of Sunnyvale, California. This move strengthens its presence in the San Francisco Bay Area after opening services to the public last June.

Waymo’s latest expansion will initially serve Waymo One app users who reside within the selected ZIP codes. Over time, the company plans to expand availability to more riders across the region. The fleet will include fully electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, featuring Waymo’s fifth-generation self-driving technology. This includes advanced sensors, software, and AI-powered navigation for safer rides.

Waymo’s product chief, Saswat Panigrahi, called the expansion a significant milestone in the company’s journey. The company has deep roots in the Bay Area, where it began its self-driving technology development. It continues to innovate, ensuring seamless and reliable autonomous ride-hailing experiences.

Previously, Waymo expanded into Daly City, Broadmoor, and Colma but has not yet started airport services. However, discussions with San Francisco International Airport are ongoing. The company is working to connect Silicon Valley and San Francisco for a smooth travel experience.

Waymo recently launched a commercial robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, aligning with the city’s South by Southwest festival. This expansion strengthens its dominance in autonomous transportation, pushing ahead of competitors like Tesla and Zoox. Other companies continue testing, but Waymo leads in fully operational robotaxi services in the United States.

Waymo’s business unit, part of its parent company’s “Other Bets” segment, continues growing despite financial challenges. The company completed over 200,000 paid rides weekly in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix before this latest expansion.

Financial reports show the “Other Bets” unit generated $400 million in Q4 2024 but incurred $1.17 billion in operating losses. Despite these losses, Waymo remains committed to expanding its robotaxi network and improving self-driving technology.

Future plans focus on providing seamless autonomous rides throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Waymo continues to revolutionize self-driving transportation, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions for urban travelers.