Waymo Robotaxis Raise Concerns in San Antonio

Residents express unease over self-driving cars loitering in neighborhoods

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Driverless Waymo robotaxis are preparing to launch passenger service in San Antonio, but their presence has drawn concerns from local residents who feel unsettled by the autonomous vehicles lingering in their neighborhoods.

Why it matters

The introduction of Waymo's self-driving taxis represents a major milestone in the development of autonomous vehicle technology, but it has also sparked unease among some San Antonio residents who are wary of the cars operating in their communities without human drivers.

The details

Waymo, a subsidiary of Google's parent company Alphabet, has been testing its self-driving vehicles in San Antonio for several years and is now gearing up to offer paid passenger service. However, some locals have expressed discomfort with the driverless cars idling on neighborhood streets, perceiving them as an unwelcome intrusion into their communities.

  • Waymo has been testing its autonomous vehicles in San Antonio for several years.
  • Waymo is now preparing to launch a paid passenger service using its self-driving cars in the city.

The players

Waymo

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

San Antonio residents

Local community members in San Antonio, Texas who have expressed concerns about the presence of Waymo's driverless vehicles in their neighborhoods.

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What they’re saying

“The cars just sit there, and it's really creepy. I don't want them in my neighborhood.”

— Sarah Hernandez, San Antonio resident (local news source)

What’s next

Waymo plans to continue testing its self-driving technology in San Antonio and work with local officials and community members to address any concerns about the rollout of its robotaxi service.

The takeaway

The introduction of Waymo's autonomous vehicles in San Antonio highlights the ongoing challenges of integrating new transportation technologies into established communities, as residents grapple with the unfamiliar presence of driverless cars in their neighborhoods.