Waymo’s Autonomous Robotaxi Revolution Hits Another US City

Waymo Brings its Driverless Cars to Miami, Ready to Launch Robotaxi Service in 2026

For the past five years, Waymo has been testing its autonomous vehicles in Miami, and now it’s about to take a giant leap forward by launching a robotaxi service in the city. But it’s not just about the tech – it’s also a strategic partnership with African mobility fintech company Moove that could change the game.

In a recent announcement, Waymo revealed that it will start testing its Jaguar I-PACE autonomous cars on Miami’s streets early next year, with the goal of launching its robotaxi service, Waymo One, in 2026. This service will be available to both residents and visitors through the Waymo One app.

So, what’s behind this move? Waymo is partnering with Moove to help manage its fleet of autonomous vehicles in Miami, marking the first time the company has outsourced the commercial aspects of its robotaxi business. By doing so, Waymo can focus on what it does best – developing its autonomous technologies.

A New Era in Mobility

"By working together, we’ll provide safe, seamless trips for riders, and scale faster and more cost-effectively over time, with safety always leading the way," said Ryan McNamara, a Waymo executive, in a recent blog post.

Miami’s mayor, Francis X. Suarez, also gave his stamp of approval, praising Waymo’s commitment to sustainability with its all-electric fleet, saying it’s "the perfect mobility option for our city as we continue to prioritize low-cost, clean energy."

Riding the Wave of Adoption

Waymo is already a major player in the autonomous vehicle market, with over 150,000 robotaxi trips per week in Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin. Now, it’s ready to bring its service to the people of Miami.

Despite the increased scrutiny from regulators regarding the safety of autonomous vehicles, Waymo remains committed to its expansion plans. Its competitor, General Motors-owned Cruise, has faced its own set of challenges, including a serious setback in San Francisco last year that led to the suspension of its operating license in California. However, Cruise has slowly resumed testing in recent months.

The Miami expansion is a significant step forward for Waymo, solidifying its position in the competitive autonomous vehicle market. As the company continues to scale its operations across the United States, it’s clear that its commitment to innovation and safety will be a major factor in its success.