Waymo Expands Freeway Rides to LA, Bay Area, Phoenix

Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous ride-hailing company, announced on Wednesday that it will begin offering public rides on freeways in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Phoenix, marking a significant expansion of its driverless vehicle operations. The rollout follows nearly a year of testing in these regions and aims to shorten trip times by up to 50 percent for longer journeys, such as commutes and airport transfers.

The expansion allows Waymo vehicles to access freeways within its existing 120-square-mile service area in Los Angeles, which includes neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Culver City, and downtown. In the Bay Area, the company is simultaneously extending coverage to San Jose, creating a continuous 260-square-mile service zone across the Peninsula. This includes curbside pickups and drop-offs at San Jose Mineta International Airport, the second such airport accessible via Waymo after Phoenix's Sky Harbor International. Initial San Jose service will focus on the city center, including areas like Santana Row, Westfield Valley Fair, and neighborhoods such as Newhall, College Park, and Cory, with plans for further growth.

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