Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to Four New US Cities

Autonomous driving company Waymo launches in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando, accelerating its nationwide rollout.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:39am

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Waymo, the autonomous driving company owned by Alphabet, has expanded its robotaxi service to four new major U.S. cities - Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando. This simultaneous launch in multiple markets represents a shift in Waymo's strategy, as the company aims to rapidly establish a strong foothold before competitors can gain significant traction. Waymo now operates commercially in 10 metropolitan areas, providing over 400,000 weekly rides.

Why it matters

Waymo's expansion demonstrates the company's confidence in its self-driving technology and its ambition to dominate the autonomous ride-hailing market. This move puts pressure on competitors like Tesla and Amazon's Zobox, who are still in testing phases. The launch in Texas and Florida also taps into key markets for autonomous vehicle adoption.

The details

Waymo is initially focusing on defined service zones within each city, ranging from 65 square kilometers in Houston to 155 square kilometers in San Antonio and Orlando. The 130 square kilometer zone in Dallas spans from University Park to the Bishop Arts District. Airports and highways are currently excluded as Waymo's AI concentrates on navigating complex urban environments. The company is utilizing its current generation of fully electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles for these initial deployments.

  • Waymo launched its robotaxi service in the four new cities in February 2026.
  • Waymo plans to open its service to the general public in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando later in 2026.

The players

Waymo

An autonomous driving company and a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Eric L. Johnson

The mayor of Dallas, who has welcomed Waymo's arrival, recognizing the potential for innovation and economic growth.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

Waymo is already looking ahead, with preparations underway for launches in Chicago and Charlotte. Other potential cities on the list include Boston, Las Vegas, Detroit, and even international locations like London and Tokyo.

The takeaway

Waymo's rapid expansion into new markets demonstrates the company's confidence in its self-driving technology and its ambition to dominate the autonomous ride-hailing industry. This move puts pressure on competitors and solidifies Waymo's position as a leader in the autonomous vehicle space.