EVwire brief: Waymo has started offering robotaxi rides to and from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, with airport access opening first to the city's current Waymo riders.
Waymo plans to gradually add more riders before opening LAS trips to everyone. Pickups and drop-offs take place at dedicated autonomous vehicle zones on the Ground Zero Level of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with riders able to travel to any destination within Waymo's current 24-square-mile Las Vegas service area.
Waymo announced the LAS launch on X:
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LAS ranks among the busiest airports in the U.S. and serves as the main entry point for the millions of visitors who head to Las Vegas every year. The airport deal also builds on Waymo's recent tie-ups in the city, with the company now serving as the official ride-hailing partner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium and The Venetian Resort.
Arica Gately, Waymo's Head of Airport Business Development and Partnerships, pitched the service as an easy way for travelers to start or wrap up a Vegas trip:
"Fully autonomous Waymo rides at Harry Reid International Airport offer a seamless, stress-free way for travelers to catch a flight or hit the town. Thank you to LAS for partnering with us on this journey and helping us add a bit of magic to your airport's travel experience."
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Context:
Las Vegas has moved quickly through Waymo's rollout playbook. The company activated fully driverless rides in the city in July, then opened public service in September across a 24-square-mile area covering the resort corridor and Chinatown, after Nevada Transportation Authority commissioners voted in August to let Waymo charge fares. LAS also joins a growing list of Waymo airports that already includes Phoenix Sky Harbor, San José Mineta, San Francisco International, San Antonio International and, as of last week, Nashville International.
Waymo is not the only robotaxi operator courting Las Vegas travelers, though. Amazon's Zoox, which got the green light to charge for rides in July, was the first autonomous ride-hailing service cleared for LAS. Tesla has also secured Nevada approval for up to 5,000 Robotaxis, clearing the way for its own Las Vegas launch.
Source: Waymo, Waymo on X, News 3 Las Vegas
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