Waymo opens robotaxi service to all riders in Los Angeles

Waymo has officially made its robotaxi service accessible to all residents of Los Angeles, eliminating the previous waitlist system that reached up to 300,000 members. This transition took place following a successful launch of the service in March 2024, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth and confidence in its autonomous technology. The service area covers 80 square miles, including popular neighborhoods such as Hollywood and Santa Monica, but the company currently does not provide rides to LAX or allow trips on highways. Waymo’s ability to conduct over 150,000 paid trips weekly underscores the demand for its service as it competes directly with traditional ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.