Last month, Waymo announced that its fully autonomous ride-hailing service (a driverless taxi), Waymo One, will be available to riders in Washington, D.C. starting in 2026. Now, Popville reports there has been reports of “more Waymos spotted around town.” A video of the experience can be seen below.
Popville shares that “Waymo has been testing in DC since, at least, May 2024 and a lot more recently!! Stay tuned for their release…” The company is currently laying the groundwork for its service following its return to the District earlier this year. Waymo plans to engage with local communities and emergency responders over the coming months as part of its introduction to the area. The company is also working with policymakers to establish the necessary regulations for operating without a human driver in the District.
Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana emphasized the company’s commitment to bringing its service to Washingtonians and visitors alike, highlighting the comfort, consistency, and safety that Waymo One aims to provide.
Currently, Waymo One operates in several cities, including San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Austin, offering over 200,000 fully autonomous paid trips each week. The company plans to expand its services to Atlanta and Miami before launching in Washington, D.C.
Jonathan Adkins, CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association, noted his positive experiences with the Waymo Driver’s safety around pedestrians and cyclists. He expressed enthusiasm for the introduction of Waymo’s service in Washington, D.C.
Waymo shares that it continues to focus on safety as it leads advancements in fully autonomous driving, reporting over 50 million miles of autonomous driving to date. The company aims to earn trust through its commitment to safety and its proven track record.