A Waymo driverless vehicle at Bronx Community College in the Bronx Borough of New York City , U.S., October 16, 2025.
The company, based in Mountain View, California, has been steadily advancing its autonomous vehicle technology in the United States, navigating challenges such as stringent regulations and high development costs. Waymo is now accelerating its efforts through collaborations with ride-hailing platforms and fleet operators, expanding its presence as the autonomous vehicle sector grows.
Testing at Newark Liberty International Airport will involve human drivers operating the vehicles, conducted in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Waymo shared details of this collaboration in a post on X, highlighting its commitment to ensuring safe and reliable operations during this phase.
The commercialization of autonomous vehicles in the U.S. has faced obstacles, with some companies, including General Motors’ Cruise, encountering setbacks due to accidents, recalls, and regulatory scrutiny. Despite these challenges, Waymo continues to make progress, focusing on rigorous testing and strategic partnerships to refine its technology.
In a related development, Waymo announced last week its plans to introduce a fully driverless ride-hailing service in London starting in 2026. This move signals the company’s ambition to expand its autonomous vehicle operations to major global cities, building on its experience in the U.S. market.
Waymo’s testing at Newark airport represents a significant milestone in its efforts to integrate autonomous vehicles into busy urban environments. By working closely with local authorities, the company aims to ensure its technology meets the demands of high-traffic locations like airports, where efficient and safe transportation is critical.
The broader autonomous vehicle industry is witnessing increased activity, with competitors like Tesla also advancing their robotaxi services. Waymo’s focus on testing and collaboration positions it to contribute to the evolution of urban mobility, offering solutions that prioritize safety and accessibility.
This initiative underscores Waymo’s commitment to expanding the reach of autonomous vehicles, supporting the growing demand for innovative transportation options. As testing progresses at Newark, the company is laying the groundwork for future deployments that could transform how passengers travel to and from major airports.
