Waymo, the self-driving car project that originated from Google, has announced plans to expand its autonomous vehicle testing on metro Phoenix freeways. The company will begin rider-only freeway testing in the coming weeks, initially limited to Waymo employees. This move marks a significant milestone as Waymo’s previous robotaxis were only able to operate on surface streets with a backup driver present.
The decision to utilize freeways is expected to greatly enhance the efficiency of Waymo’s ride-hailing service, Waymo One. For instance, a trip that usually takes 50 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to north Scottsdale via surface streets can be completed in just 25 minutes using the Loop 101 Pima Freeway.
Waymo One, the nation’s first fully driverless commercial taxi service, has been operating in metro Phoenix for over three years. Passengers can conveniently request a Waymo One robotaxi through a mobile app, similar to popular ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.
Since its launch in October 2022, Waymo One has expanded its service area incrementally. Initially covering around 50 square miles in and around Chandler, the service area now includes over 180 square miles, encompassing most of Chandler, Tempe, and parts of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa. Recent expansions have added new destinations such as Camelback Mountain, McCormick Ranch, and The Farm at South Mountain to the Waymo One map.
In addition to serving various locations within metro Phoenix, Waymo also started offering airport services in December 2022. The company became the first in the world to provide autonomous vehicle service at an airport when it began picking up and dropping off riders at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train station. The service was later expanded to include the 24th Street PHX Sky Train station, and more recently, Waymo introduced curbside service at both terminals during off-peak hours.
Waymo’s latest announcement to expand freeway testing highlights its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the autonomous vehicle industry. As the company explores new avenues for efficient transportation solutions, it is steadily revolutionizing the way individuals travel in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The source of the article is from the blog meltyfan.es