A Waymo rider-only robotaxi is seen during a test ride in San Francisco, California, U.S., December 9, 2022.
Waymo has developed steadily in the United States despite regulatory challenges and the high costs of autonomous technology. The company is now accelerating its growth through partnerships with ride-hailing platforms and fleet operators, at a time when Tesla (TSLA.O) is beginning to roll out its own robotaxi service domestically.
Earlier this year, Waymo began collecting operational data in Tokyo, Japan, and testing vehicles with human safety drivers in collaboration with Japanese taxi firm Nihon Kotsu and Go, a mobile app-based taxi service. These efforts are helping the company prepare for full autonomous operations in international markets.
For the London rollout, Waymo is partnering with vehicle financing company Moove and engaging with both local and national regulators to secure the necessary approvals. Waymo vehicles are already being shipped to London, where safety drivers will conduct tests before the fully autonomous service launches next year, according to a Waymo spokesperson.
In the U.S., Waymo currently provides over 250,000 paid trips per week with approximately 1,500 vehicles operating in cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Austin. In Phoenix, Waymo has partnered with Moove to manage fleet operations, facilities, and charging infrastructure, with a similar arrangement planned for Miami, Florida next year.
Ride-hailing company Uber (UBER.N), which currently offers Waymo vehicles on its platform in Atlanta and Austin, announced in June that it will trial fully driverless rides in the UK starting spring 2026 through a partnership with AI startup Wayve. This demonstrates growing collaboration between autonomous vehicle developers and existing mobility platforms in preparation for commercial deployment.
Commercializing autonomous vehicles in the U.S. has been challenging, with setbacks for several firms, including General Motors’ Cruise, due to accidents, recalls, and federal investigations. Despite these hurdles, Waymo continues to expand its operations carefully while prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance.
The London expansion reflects Waymo’s broader strategy to establish a global footprint in autonomous mobility, leveraging its experience in U.S. markets and international testing programs to introduce reliable, fully driverless services in major cities around the world.
By combining strategic partnerships, regulatory engagement, and rigorous testing, Waymo aims to advance the adoption of autonomous ride-hailing while ensuring safe and efficient transportation for passengers in both domestic and international markets.
