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Waymo, owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, is consolidating a foothold in the Midwest. This week, the company announced it will be moving to the Motor City, bringing its self-driving robotaxi service to Detroit.
Detroit will be the sixth U.S. city to receive Waymo’s driverless service, after San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Austin.
On November 3, Waymo announced its entry into other U.S. locations, including San Diego and Las Vegas. This news follows last month’s announcement that Waymo is expanding into Europe, with plans to launch its ride-hailing robotaxis in London as early as 2026.
While the cars will begin with manual safety drivers, they will progress into fully autonomous ride-hailing vehicles after an initial trial period.
The company has already begun testing its vehicles in the cold, icy conditions of Michigan, expanding its capabilities in unpredictable, snowy weather. Having carried out testing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Waymo is confident its robotaxis will be a match for the harsh winters of Detroit.
Waymo’s latest expansion has received praise from many Michiganders, who have applauded the effort for providing accessible transportation to members of the community who may otherwise be excluded from driving. One such advocate is Andrea Schotthoefer, president of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, who said in a news release:
“For many people living with epilepsy, transportation is a significant barrier,” Schotthoefer said. “Waymo’s efforts show what’s possible and inspire collective action toward a future where transportation barriers no longer stand in the way of opportunity and inclusion.”
Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service has also received support from other groups, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, who have lauded the service as an accessible deterrent against dangerous drunk driving. Regional Director Alex Otte said:
“While we know that the decision to drive impaired comes down to personal responsibility, MADD is supportive of safe alternatives like planning ahead, rideshare, and non-drinking designated drivers, and we are excited for Waymo’s introduction to the Detroit community.”
Despite initial praise, Waymo’s expansion does not come without controversy. Waymo has hit headlines recently over concerns regarding the safety of its vehicles; this autumn, an investigation was launched into around 2,000 Waymo taxis after one reportedly drove around a stationary school bus.
The investigation follows a similar inquiry earlier this year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which saw 1,200 Waymo robotaxis recalled over concerns about their ability to perceive hazards under low-visibility conditions.
Waymo has also been in the news this week after one of its driverless robotaxis collided with and killed a well-loved neighbourhood cat in the Mission District of San Francisco.
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