Waymo’s Robotaxi Service Now Available to Miami Residents
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has officially launched its public robotaxi service in Miami, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion across the United States. This development allows residents and visitors in Miami to experience driverless transportation within a designated 60-square-mile area encompassing neighborhoods such as the Design District, Wynwood, Brickell, and Coral Gables.
Phased Rollout to the Public
The initial rollout is being conducted on a rolling basis, prioritizing the nearly 10,000 local residents who had previously joined Waymo’s waitlist. These individuals will receive invitations to access the service, enabling them to hail a robotaxi through the Waymo app. This strategic approach ensures a controlled and efficient introduction of the service to the public.
Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, Waymo has announced plans to extend its service to include Miami International Airport, aiming to provide seamless transportation options for travelers. While a specific timeline for this expansion has not been disclosed, the company has indicated that it is forthcoming.
Preparation and Testing
Waymo’s journey to this public launch involved extensive preparation. The company began by mapping Miami’s streets and conducting rigorous testing of its autonomous vehicles on public roads. In November, Waymo achieved a significant milestone by removing safety operators from its Miami fleet, transitioning to fully driverless operations initially available to employees. This methodical approach aligns with Waymo’s established strategy for introducing autonomous services in new markets.
Historical Context and Expansion Strategy
Waymo’s expansion into Miami is part of a broader strategy to deploy autonomous ride-hailing services across multiple cities. The company first introduced its robotaxis to the general public in Phoenix in 2020. Subsequent expansions included San Francisco and Los Angeles, with services becoming widely available in 2024. In 2025, Waymo partnered with Uber to launch robotaxi services in Atlanta and Austin, further broadening its reach.
Future Ambitions
The company has set ambitious goals for the near future. Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana stated during an interview at TechCrunch Disrupt in October that the company aims to offer 1 million trips per week by the end of 2026. To achieve this, Waymo plans to introduce its robotaxi services in nearly a dozen additional cities over the next year, including Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Nashville, London, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Testing has already commenced in some of these locations, utilizing a combination of all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles and the newer Zeekr RT vans, rebranded as Ojai.
Challenges and Regulatory Scrutiny
Despite its rapid expansion, Waymo has encountered challenges. In cities like San Francisco, residents have reported instances where Waymo vehicles contributed to traffic congestion, particularly during widespread power outages. Such incidents have drawn the attention of federal safety regulators. In October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation initiated an inquiry into Waymo’s operations, focusing on the behavior of its robotaxis around stopped school buses in Atlanta. Similar concerns have been raised in Austin, where videos have surfaced showing Waymo vehicles passing school buses with activated stop signs. In response, Waymo issued a voluntary software recall to address these issues. However, subsequent reports suggest that the problem may persist, indicating the need for ongoing improvements and regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
Waymo’s launch of public robotaxi services in Miami represents a significant advancement in the adoption of autonomous transportation. By methodically expanding its operations and addressing challenges as they arise, Waymo continues to position itself at the forefront of the autonomous vehicle industry, striving to redefine urban mobility across the United States and beyond.
