EVwire brief: Waymo has opened its fully autonomous ride-hailing service to everyone in San Antonio, San Diego, and Tampa. Riders in San Antonio can also now hail a Waymo to and from San Antonio International Airport.
Anyone in the three cities can now download the Waymo app and book a ride right away. Waymo said it has already welcomed hundreds of thousands of riders across San Antonio, San Diego, and Tampa since launching servicex there earlier this year.
Waymo announced the expansion on X:
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The airport access gives Waymo riders a new way to catch a flight in the Alamo City. Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the City of San Antonio Aviation, described the launch as a milestone for the airport and its travelers:
"Waymo offering fully autonomous rides at the airport marks a significant milestone for Waymo, our city and travelers. Whether visitors are heading downtown or locals are catching an early-morning flight, they now have a new option to get there."
Waymo also highlighted how its service is helping riders who can't easily drive themselves. In San Diego, Bob Kelly, Founder and CEO of the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation, said self-driving rides help older residents stay independent:
"Transportation is the lifeline of independence for older adults. […] San Diego should be at the forefront of bringing safe, reliable, and accessible mobility options to seniors who deserve to stay active and connected."
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Context:
The three cities have been on Waymo's roadmap for months. Waymo activated fully driverless rides in Las Vegas in July, with San Diego and Tampa among the markets lined up to follow.
San Antonio has seen its share of challenges along the way. In April, a Waymo vehicle drove into a flooded area during severe weather. The incident prompted a recall of 3,791 robotaxis and a temporary pause in the city.
Dropping the wait for access follows a playbook Waymo has used in other markets. The company opened its Nashville service to all riders in June, after Miami and Orlando had already shared their invite requirements. Just this week, Waymo also started serving Nashville International Airport. This means that San Antonio's airport, which Waymo was already serving, is now open to every rider in the city.
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