Waymo Expands Driverless Service Across Los Angeles, Bay Area Despite Vandalism

Waymo is significantly expanding its autonomous ride-hailing services in California, notably across multiple neighborhoods in Los Angeles County and the San Francisco Bay Area, increasing its coverage to over 120 square miles in LA alone. This expansion follows a temporary suspension of operations in downtown Los Angeles after several Waymo vehicles were vandalized and set on fire during protests against the Trump administration's immigration enforcement raids, though the company noted the vehicles were not specifically targeted. Waymo emphasizes its strong safety record, relying on a comprehensive set of twelve acceptance criteria and ongoing operational data to ensure its autonomous vehicles meet safety benchmarks before deployment. Additionally, Waymo is preparing to begin mapping New York City streets next month with driver-assisted technology to facilitate eventual robotaxi services, signaling further geographic growth despite regulatory challenges. These efforts reflect Waymo's broader strategy to scale its autonomous driving technology, which has been operational in Phoenix and Austin, and to build trust and demand for self-driving services in urban mobility. Waymo is a division of Alphabet, which analysts view positively given the company’s expansion and technological advances.