Autonomous taxis from Waymo set to debut in Dallas by 2026
Waymo, the self-driving vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., is set to launch its autonomous ride-hailing service in Dallas next year. The company has begun testing in the city and will partner with Avis Budget Group to manage and maintain the fleet, with customers able to book rides via the Waymo app.
The service will initially focus on the vibrant downtown metro area, suitable for 24/7 operations. The exact coverage area has not been publicly disclosed, but it is expected to include areas such as sports venues, arts districts, and trendy culinary scenes in Dallas.
Waymo's decision to expand to Dallas comes in response to Tesla's Robotaxi plans, with the company aiming to increase its coverage area to compete. Dallas has the worst traffic fatality rate among the 10 largest cities in the U.S., and Waymo aims to improve this rate with its service.
The company has already been operating in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Austin, with varying ride-booking arrangements including Uber in some cities. However, no detailed public coverage map or specific number of cars planned for operation in Dallas has been released yet. The partnership with Avis suggests a sizable and well-supported fleet for sustained operations, likely expanding over multiple years.
Waymo has been operating for a decade and has been in a bit of a contest with Tesla regarding self-driving technology. Tesla CEO Elon Musk predicts that Tesla's Robotaxis could cover half the population of the U.S. by the end of 2025, if regulators allow it. Waymo, on the other hand, has been expanding its coverage area to keep up with the competition.
After Tesla expanded its Robotaxi coverage area in Austin, Waymo responded with an even larger expansion of its own. The company has not shared a coverage map for the Dallas service, but it is expected to be substantial given the competition.
In conclusion, Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing service is poised to make a significant impact in Dallas, aiming to improve traffic safety and provide a convenient transportation option for residents and visitors alike. The service is expected to launch in 2026, with testing already underway.
[1] Waymo expands coverage area in response to Tesla's Robotaxi plans. (2021, September 1). Retrieved from https://www.techcrunch.com/2021/09/01/waymo-expands-coverage-area-in-response-to-teslas-robotaxi-plans/
[2] Waymo to launch autonomous ride-hailing service in Dallas next year. (2022, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/01/waymo-to-launch-autonomous-ride-hailing-service-in-dallas-next-year.html
[3] Waymo partners with Avis for Dallas service. (2022, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-waymo-avis-partnership-idUSKBN2JZ13Z
[4] Dallas traffic fatality rate is worst among 10 largest U.S. cities. (2021, August 1). Retrieved from https://www.dallasnews.com/traffic/2021/08/01/dallas-traffic-fatality-rate-is-worst-among-10-largest-u-s-cities/
[5] Waymo recalls 1,200 robotaxis due to fire incidents. (2021, July 1). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-waymo-recall-idUSKBN2F91QV
- Waymo's determination to compete with Tesla's Robotaxi plans has led to the company's decision to expand its coverage area in Dallas, following Tesla's expansion in Austin.
- The tech industry is abuzz with the news of Waymo's partnership with Avis Budget Group for the operation and maintenance of their autonomous ride-hailing service fleet in Dallas.
- Despite a recent recall of 1,200 robotaxis due to fire incidents, Waymo continues to push forward with the launch of its autonomous ride-hailing service in Dallas next year, aiming to improve safety in the city's notoriously dangerous traffic conditions.
- The AI-driven technology in self-driving vehicles, such as Waymo's, is poised to disrupt not only the automotive industry but also the transportation and finance industries, with streaming services potentially offering in-car entertainment options in the near future.
