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Waymo One Expands its Reach, Bringing Fully Autonomous Rides to More Californians

Submitted by J. Mikhail on
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SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 20, 2024 – The future of transportation is arriving in more neighborhoods across California. Waymo, the leading autonomous driving technology company, today announced a significant expansion of its Waymo One ride-hailing service, bringing its fully driverless vehicles to new areas in both the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County.

Expanding the Boundaries of Autonomous Travel

Starting today, Waymo One is available on the San Francisco Peninsula for the first time, adding Daly City, Broadmoor,and Colma to its existing 24/7 service area. The expansion connects these communities to key transit hubs like the Daly City and Colma BART stations, making it even easier for residents and visitors to get around without the need for a human driver. The company's San Francisco operations now cover an impressive 55 square miles of the Bay Area, from Fisherman’s Wharf to Serramonte Center.

In Los Angeles, Waymo One is also growing, with new service areas including Marina del Rey, Mar Vista, Playa Vista,and expanded coverage in Hollywood, Chinatown, and Westwood. The service now spans 79 square miles of LA County, offering Angelenos greater flexibility and convenience in their daily commutes and leisure trips.

Strong Demand and Positive Rider Experiences

The expansion comes on the heels of strong demand for Waymo One in both cities. Since removing the waitlist for its San Francisco service in June, Waymo has seen "incredible demand from locals and visitors alike." In Los Angeles,over 150,000 people have signed up for the waitlist since the service's commercial launch in March. The company has been carefully scaling its operations to meet this growing demand while maintaining its high standards for safety and rider experience.

Angelenos have embraced Waymo One, with the average trip rating consistently exceeding 4.7 out of 5 stars. The service is proving to be a valuable transportation option for a wide range of people, including parents taking their kids to school, individuals needing safe rides late at night, and seniors seeking greater independence.

Safety at the Forefront

Waymo's commitment to safety is unwavering. The company has invested years in rigorous testing and development to ensure that its autonomous vehicles operate safely and reliably. "These expansions build on many years of rigorous testing and evaluation, and our decision to expand our service followed the careful and multilayered approach to safety set out in our safety framework," stated the Waymo team.

This dedication to safety has not gone unnoticed. Patricia Rillera, MADD California State Executive Director and LA resident, praised Waymo's expansion, stating, "Today’s designated driver comes in many forms, and Waymo’s expansion across the San Francisco Bay Area and LA County offers an exciting new option for Californians to choose a safe ride home."

A Growing Footprint and a Bright Future

Waymo One's expansion in California is part of a broader growth strategy. In recent months, the company has also launched fully autonomous ride-hailing in Los Angeles, expanded its service area in Metro Phoenix, and introduced curbside airport pickups and dropoffs at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

With over 2 million paid trips completed and more than 20 million miles driven in fully autonomous mode, Waymo is demonstrating the real-world viability of its technology. As the company continues to scale its operations, it's clear that Waymo One is not just the future of transportation – it's the present, offering safe, convenient, and accessible rides to more people every day.

Ready to experience the future of transportation? Download the Waymo One app on the App Store and Play Store today.