Autonomous Trucks
Waymo plans to launch a robotaxi service in Austin — putting the company once again in direct competition with rival Cruise. While it wasn’t a guarantee that Waymo would launch its commercial ride-hailing service in Austin — the company has tested in several cities for brief periods of time — it did hint at what was coming. Both companies currently operate a ride-hailing service using their self-driving vehicles in San Francisco. Last year, Cruise also soft launched a ride-hailing service starting with its own employees in Phoenix, a known Waymo’s self-driving commercial stomping ground. Waymo then opens its service to vetted members of the public, or “riders.” Eventually, the service, known as Waymo One, is accessible to everyone willing to pay for a ride.