Denver and Seattle, your new taxi driver doesn’t need a license – it’s Waymo

Autonomous taxi company Waymo is expanding into two new cities as it launches operations in Denver and Seattle.

The company was the first to launch an autonomous taxi service without safety drivers in the vehicle back in 2020. 

Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength and operates in numerous cities, including LA, Austin, and Atlanta. 

Now, it’s adding two more locations after adding Denver and Seattle to its growing list.

DISCOVER SBX CARS – The global premium auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie 

Waymo launches operations in Denver and Seattle

Although the first to offer an autonomous taxi service, Waymo faces growing competition from the likes of Lyft and the newly-launched Tesla Robotaxi. 

Over recent weeks in Austin, Tesla and Waymo have both been expanding the areas they serve. 

Now, Waymo is set to head to two new cities: Denver and Seattle. 

The autonomous taxi company already operates in Phoenix, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, and Austin, with plans to launch in even more.

In both new cities, the company will adopt a gradual rollout, as it has done in the past, starting with human drivers on board before moving to autonomous journeys further down the line. 

The move has been welcomed by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. 

“Whether they need a ride to work, school, the farmer’s market, or they’re heading out for a night on the town, Waymo is a great way for Denverites to get where they’re going safely,” Johnston said in a statement. 

“Waymo’s innovative, climate-friendly technology will make our streets safer and cleaner, and I can’t wait for my first ride.”

Similarly, officials in Seattle also seem keen to get the service up and running in their city. 

“The City of Seattle supports innovation that makes transportation safer, more efficient, and more accessible,” the city’s Department of Transportation said.

“Seattle has taken a smart, safety-first approach to partnering with autonomous vehicle operators and ensuring these technologies work well for everyone who lives, works, and plays here.

“As Waymo begins manual data collection on Seattle’s streets, we look forward to continuing these partnerships to ensure future services meet our transportation goals.”

Waymo’s former CEO had some harsh words for the Tesla Robotaxi service

As Waymo arrives in more cities and with plans to expand even further, the company’s former CEO had some harsh words about the Tesla Robotaxi. 

Last month, former CEO John Krafcik said the Tesla service lacked true autonomy and suggested it was closer to a ride-hailing app than an autonomous taxi company.

Krafcik said Tesla’s system cannot be considered a Robotaxi because it still requires a human inside the car.

“Please let me know when Tesla launches a robotaxi, I’m still waiting,” Krafcik said.

Ouch.The post Denver and Seattle, your new taxi driver doesn’t need a license – it’s Waymo appeared first on Supercar Blondie.