It appears Tesla’s Robotaxi launch has stirred up competition: Waymo is launching its autonomous ride-hailing service in Dallas next year.
According to the company’s announcement on Monday, Waymo will offer the service through its app, while the fleet will be managed and maintained by Avis.
Dallas has the worst traffic fatality rate among the 10 largest cities in the U.S., and Waymo said it hopes to improve this statistic.
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The company didn’t say how many cars it plans to operate with in Dallas, nor has it shared a coverage map. The press release did mention a few areas of the city which will presumably be covered: “Whether catching a Mavericks’ game, hitting up the multiple arts districts, or tasting your way through the trendy culinary scene, the Waymo Driver offers a convenient, consistent way for both residents and visitors to get around town.”
There’s no word on exact timing, either. Waymo says that “early testing is already underway,” and rides will be offered to the public “next year.” Further down the line, Waymo says it plans to expand to more cities.
Waymo currently operates in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Austin, while Miami, and Washington D.C. are listed as “coming soon.”
The announcement comes shortly after Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that his company’s Robotaxis could cover half the population of the U.S. by the end of 2025 — should regulators allow it. Waymo, which has been operating for a decade, has already engaged in a bit of a contest with Tesla; after Tesla expanded its Robotaxi coverage area in Austin, Waymo responded with an even larger expansion of its own.
