Waymo Aims for 1 Million Autonomous Rides per Week by 2026

Alphabet's self-driving unit plans major expansion, unveils new Waymo Driver technology

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Waymo, the autonomous driving company owned by Alphabet, is aiming to reach over 1 million paid robotaxi rides per week in the U.S. by the end of 2026. This would be a 150% increase from its current rate of 400,000 rides per week. Waymo plans to expand its services to 20 new cities this year, including London and Tokyo, and has unveiled its sixth-generation Waymo Driver technology, which it says will improve performance and lower costs.

Why it matters

Waymo's rapid growth and technological advancements position it as the clear leader in the U.S. robotaxi market, potentially making Alphabet stock the first big winner in the autonomous driving race. This could have significant implications for the future of transportation and the competitive landscape in the self-driving car industry.

The details

Waymo is currently operating in six U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Phoenix, and plans to expand to 20 new cities this year. The company's new sixth-generation Waymo Driver technology includes a high-resolution 17-megapixel sensor and improved LiDAR capabilities, which Waymo says will enhance its robotaxis' driving abilities, especially in inclement weather, while also reducing operating costs. Waymo is also scaling up production of its vehicles at its factory in Phoenix, with a goal of "tens of thousands" of vehicles per year.

  • By the end of 2026, Waymo expects to reach over 1 million paid robotaxi rides per week in the U.S.
  • Waymo plans to expand its autonomous ride-hailing services to 20 new cities this year

The players

Waymo

An autonomous driving company owned by Alphabet, the parent company of Google, that is a leader in the development and deployment of self-driving technology.

Tekedra Mawakana

Co-Chief Executive Officer of Waymo.

Tesla

An electric vehicle and autonomous driving technology company that is also developing its own self-driving capabilities, but has not yet been able to offer a passenger-ready robotaxi service at the same scale as Waymo.

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What they’re saying

“By the end of 2026, the company expects to reach more than 1 million paid robotaxi rides per week in the U.S.”

— Tekedra Mawakana, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Waymo (Bloomberg)

What’s next

Waymo plans to continue expanding its autonomous ride-hailing services to additional cities in the U.S. and internationally, as well as scaling up production of its vehicles to meet growing demand.

The takeaway

Waymo's rapid growth and technological advancements in the robotaxi market position Alphabet as a potential first-mover advantage in the autonomous driving industry, which could translate to significant long-term value for the company's shareholders.