Article Title:
Waymo Introduces Freeway Driving in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix
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Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has announced the expansion of its self-driving services to include freeway driving in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. This development aims to enhance the efficiency and convenience of Waymo’s ride-hailing services by incorporating high-speed routes into its operational capabilities.
The integration of freeway driving is expected to significantly reduce travel times for passengers. For instance, a journey from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to northern Scottsdale, which previously took approximately 50 minutes using surface streets, can now be completed in about 25 minutes via the AZ-101 freeway. This improvement underscores Waymo’s commitment to providing faster and more efficient transportation options.
Safety remains a paramount concern for Waymo. The company has accumulated millions of miles of freeway testing, involving both employees and select guests, to ensure the reliability of its autonomous systems. This extensive testing has been conducted under various conditions to prepare the vehicles for real-world scenarios. Waymo has also collaborated closely with safety officials to facilitate a seamless transition into this new phase of service.
To access the new freeway routes, users can opt-in through the Waymo app. A new feature in the My trip tab allows riders to join the list for early access to freeway routes. Once enrolled, the system will automatically select freeway routes when they offer a meaningful time advantage over surface streets.
In addition to the freeway driving rollout, Waymo has expanded its service area in the San Francisco Bay Area to include San Jose. This expansion creates a unified service area exceeding 260 square miles. As part of this growth, Waymo now offers curbside pickup and drop-off services at San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), enhancing accessibility for travelers.
Looking ahead, Waymo has announced plans to extend its services to Las Vegas, San Diego, and Detroit in the coming year. These expansions reflect the company’s ongoing efforts to broaden its autonomous ride-hailing network and bring innovative transportation solutions to more communities.
