Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company, has extended its robotaxi service to San Antonio International Airport, marking its fourth airport location following previous launches at Phoenix Sky Harbor, San Francisco, and San Jose International airports. The service allows passengers to be dropped off curbside at the terminals and picked up at designated ride-share areas within the airport.
This expansion into San Antonio represents Waymo’s entry into the Texas market, adding to its existing operations in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston. While the San Antonio robotaxi service officially began in February, it is currently operating on an invitation-only basis as it gradually scales up to accommodate public riders, a strategy similar to its rollouts in other cities.
Waymo’s cautious approach to expansion aims to ensure safety and reliability despite ambitious plans to launch in approximately 20 new cities this year, including Tokyo and London. With its robotaxi service already available in 10 cities and providing over 500,000 paid rides per week, Waymo continues to expand its autonomous driving technology.
Despite its progress, Waymo faces challenges such as recent incidents where its robotaxis illegally passed school buses, prompting investigations by regulatory authorities. These hurdles highlight the ongoing need for vigilance and improvement in autonomous vehicle operations.
Source: TechCrunch