Waymo Plans Self-Driving Taxi Launch in Washington D.C. by 2026

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company backed by Alphabet, plans to launch its fully autonomous ride-hailing service, Waymo One, in Washington, D.C., by 2026, pending changes to local laws that currently require a human driver. Waymo has already been mapping the city and is working closely with local officials to ensure a safe and responsible integration of its self-driving technology. The company reports significant growth in its operations, providing over 200,000 rides per week in existing markets like San Francisco and Phoenix. However, regulatory concerns have been raised, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigating several incidents involving Waymo vehicles. Despite these challenges, Waymo aims to establish a presence in the capital to appeal to federal legislators and safety officials. The introduction of driverless taxis in D.C. reflects a broader trend toward autonomous vehicle adoption across the U.S.