Waymo Faces Ongoing Safety Challenges Five Years After U.S. Robotaxi Debut

Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology owned by Alphabet, has faced recent incidents involving its self-driving cars, including a vehicle in Atlanta passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights—an act that would normally result in a hefty fine for human drivers. Despite these incidents, Waymo reports its vehicles have significantly fewer serious crashes compared to human drivers, though the company acknowledges its technology is still evolving. In New York City, Waymo has been granted permits to test up to eight self-driving Jaguar I-Pace vehicles with human safety operators until the end of 2025, marking a cautious but significant step towards deploying autonomous ride services in one of the most challenging urban environments. However, Waymo is not yet authorized to provide commercial robotaxi services in NYC, as it must secure additional licenses from the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission. The company continues to operate commercial robotaxi services in several U.S. cities and plans expansions to others, balancing rapid innovation with rigorous safety and regulatory compliance. Local officials, including Assemblymember Brian Cunningham, express cautious optimism that these advances could enhance urban safety and mobility if executed responsibly.