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Waymo launches autonomous rides in Houston

**Waymo Launches Fully Driverless Ride Service in Houston, Marking New Era of Autonomous Transportation**

Houston, TX – February 27, 2025 – Houston officially entered a new era of transportation this past Tuesday, February 25th, as Waymo, Google’s autonomous vehicle company, launched its fully driverless ride-hailing service to the public. Residents and visitors can now hail an autonomous vehicle through the Waymo One app, experiencing rides without a human safety driver behind the wheel.

The initial service area spans several of Houston’s bustling neighborhoods, including downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Upper Kirby, River Oaks, and the Museum District. This strategic rollout targets high-density areas, catering to both daily commuters and those seeking convenient leisure travel.

Houston is now the fourth major U.S. city to offer Waymo’s public service, joining Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. This expansion follows an extensive testing period that commenced in Houston back in 2022, during which Waymo vehicles, initially with safety drivers, logged thousands of miles across diverse traffic conditions and road types unique to the city.

“We are incredibly excited to bring the Waymo Driver to the vibrant city of Houston,” stated Saswat Panigrahi, Chief Product Officer at Waymo, in a press release. “Houston’s dynamic environment, diverse road network, and forward-thinking spirit make it an ideal market for fully autonomous technology. We’ve worked closely with local officials and community members since 2022 to understand the city’s needs and ensure our service integrates seamlessly and safely.”

The Waymo fleet operating in Houston primarily consists of all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, equipped with Waymo’s fifth-generation Driver technology. This sophisticated system utilizes a suite of sensors, including lidar, radar, and high-resolution cameras, combined with advanced artificial intelligence to perceive the environment, predict behavior, and navigate safely. Waymo emphasizes its multi-layered safety approach, which includes rigorous testing, independent validation, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Mayor John Whitmire welcomed the launch, highlighting its potential benefits for the city. “Houston is a hub of innovation, and Waymo’s launch underscores our commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology that can improve urban mobility,” Mayor Whitmire said. “This service offers a new, convenient, and potentially safer transportation option for Houstonians, and we look forward to seeing its positive impact on our community.”

For Houstonians eager to experience the driverless service, the Waymo One app is available for download on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Users can create an account, enter their destination, and a driverless Waymo vehicle will arrive to pick them up, navigating autonomously to their chosen location. Waymo’s pricing structure is generally competitive with other ride-hailing services.

While the service currently covers a specific footprint, Waymo has indicated plans for potential future expansion within Houston, contingent on operational data and community feedback. The company’s presence is expected to contribute to Houston’s growing reputation as a smart city, embracing technological advancements to enhance public services and quality of life. The move also signals a maturing phase for the autonomous vehicle industry, with Waymo steadily expanding its commercial footprint across major metropolitan areas.

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