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Waymo to Launch Robotaxi Service in Washington D.C. in 2026
Alphabet-owned Waymo has announced plans to begin offering robotaxi rides via the Waymo One app in Washington D.C. by 2026, marking a significant expansion of its autonomous driving capabilities.
Before it can launch commercially, however, the company will need to intensify its lobbying efforts in the nation’s capital. Currently, autonomous vehicle permits in Washington D.C. require a human driver behind the wheel, presenting an obstacle for Waymo’s business model that relies on removing the human driver from the vehicle.
The move is part of Waymo’s aggressive expansion plans, which aim to solidify its position as a leader in the robotaxi market ahead of potential competitors like Amazon’s Zoox and Elon Musk’s Tesla. Waymo has already established commercial services in Phoenix, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Austin, in partnership with ride-hailing firm Uber. The company is also planning to launch a robotaxi service via Uber in Atlanta this year and has begun ferrying employees in fully autonomous vehicles in that city.
In addition to these initiatives, Waymo will start mapping in 10 cities throughout 2025, including Las Vegas, San Diego, and Nashville.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/25/waymo-to-launch-robotaxi-service-in-washington-d-c-in-2026/
