Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to All in Los Angeles

Waymo has made its driverless rideshare service, Waymo One, available to everyone in Los Angeles, removing the previously required waitlist of 300,000 people. The service operates across an 80-square-mile area and is accessible via the Waymo One app, although it currently avoids freeways and airports within LA. This expansion follows similar service rollouts in Phoenix and San Francisco and is part of Waymo's broader U.S. expansion strategy, backed by a recent $5.6 billion funding round. While Waymo is competing with traditional ride-hailing services, it offers a unique experience with customizable features and enjoys high customer satisfaction ratings. The company's continued growth and recent funding highlight its confidence in the technology despite its current operational losses. Waymo's service is seen as a significant step toward reducing car ownership while competing with companies like GM's Cruise and Amazon's Zoox.