Waymo Autonomous Vehicles Raise Concerns in San Antonio

Residents report unease over driverless robotaxis loitering in neighborhoods

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Driverless Waymo robotaxis are preparing to begin transporting passengers in San Antonio, but their presence has drawn concerns from local residents who feel uneasy about the autonomous vehicles lingering in their neighborhoods.

Why it matters

The introduction of Waymo's self-driving cars in San Antonio is part of the company's broader efforts to expand its autonomous vehicle services to new markets. However, the rollout has sparked unease among some residents who are uncomfortable with the idea of driverless cars operating in their communities.

The details

Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. and one of the leading developers of self-driving technology, is preparing to launch its robotaxi service in San Antonio. The company has been testing its autonomous vehicles in the city and is now gearing up to begin transporting passengers. However, some residents have expressed discomfort with the presence of the driverless cars, reporting that they have seen the vehicles lingering in their neighborhoods, which they find unsettling.

  • Waymo has been testing its autonomous vehicles in San Antonio for several months.
  • The company is now preparing to launch its robotaxi service in the city.

The players

Waymo

A subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. and one of the leading developers of self-driving technology.

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What they’re saying

“It's just really creepy to see these cars sitting around with no one in them. I don't know what they're doing, and it makes me feel uneasy.”

— Samantha Rodriguez, San Antonio resident (San Antonio Express-News)

What’s next

Waymo plans to continue testing its autonomous vehicles in San Antonio and is expected to launch its robotaxi service in the city in the coming months.

The takeaway

The introduction of Waymo's self-driving cars in San Antonio highlights the ongoing challenges and concerns surrounding the deployment of autonomous vehicles in residential areas, as some residents struggle to adapt to the presence of driverless cars in their neighborhoods.