Waymo Resumes Freeway Operations for Robotaxis in Phoenix
Waymo is again offering freeway rides in Phoenix after pausing in May due to incidents where robotaxis entered construction-closed zones.
Waymo has resumed freeway operations for its robotaxis, starting today in Phoenix. The Alphabet-owned company announced it will soon restart highway services in Miami, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area as well.
In May, Waymo paused highway operations after several robotaxis drove into sections of freeways that were closed for construction. The company told Engadget it identified an area for improvement regarding performance around construction zones and has since addressed the issue.
Access to freeway rides is not automatic. Interested users can join an interest list in the Waymo app and will receive a notification when approved. Even with access, the robotaxi may not always take the freeway—Waymo says it can reroute vehicles for reasons known in advance, such as heavy traffic or construction zones. Riders can check the route and estimated drop-off time before hailing a ride.
