Waymo has opened its fully driverless ride-hailing service to the public in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa, marking a significant expansion for the Alphabet-owned company. With this move, Waymo now operates in 14 US cities, offering tens of thousands of residents access to autonomous rides. The rollout comes as the company pursues ambitious growth targets and faces competition from both traditional ride-hailing and other autonomous vehicle providers.
Waymo Launches Public Robotaxi Service in Three New Cities
Waymo opened its driverless ride-hailing service to the general public in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa on Monday. Previously, access in these cities was limited to employees and invited guests, but now anyone can hail a ride as the company gradually admits new users over the coming weeks.
Tens of thousands of people in each market had already signed up before the public launch. Riders in Denver and San Diego will experience Waymo’s new Zeekr-built minivan-style vehicle, which features the company’s next-generation Waymo Driver technology.
Rapid Expansion and Safety Record
Since March 2025, Waymo has launched commercial service in seven new cities, bringing its total to 14 across the US. In May, the company expanded its coverage area by more than 20% to over 1,400 square miles (~3,626 km²), and in August, it received approval to operate across 18 counties in California.
Waymo has set a goal of reaching 1 million paid rides per week by the end of this year. The company highlights its safety record, stating that its vehicles have been involved in 94% fewer serious-injury crashes than human drivers over the miles it has driven. Waymo has also collaborated with organizations such as AARP Florida and the San Diego chapter of the National Federation of the Blind to improve accessibility.
Tampa: A New Battleground for Robotaxi Services
Tampa stands out as a market where both Waymo and Tesla are now operating paid, driverless ride services. Tesla added Tampa and Orlando to its Robotaxi service in July, but its active fleet in Tampa remains extremely limited. In contrast, Waymo is launching with no one in the driver’s seat and tens of thousands of people already on the waitlist.
Competitor Comparison
Waymo’s expansion puts it in direct competition with established ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft, both of which rely on human drivers. The average ride with Uber costs $17 (~AUD 24), while Lyft averages $15 (~AUD 22) per trip. While Waymo’s pricing structure has not been detailed in this announcement, its fully autonomous approach differentiates it from these conventional services.
Historical Context
Waymo has recorded over 20 million paid rides as of December 2025, reflecting a 25% year-over-year increase in usage. The company’s rapid expansion into new cities and growing user base signal a shift from pilot programs to large-scale commercial operations.
Why this matters
Waymo’s move to open its robotaxi service to the public in three additional cities demonstrates the accelerating adoption of autonomous vehicle technology in urban transportation. The company’s focus on safety, accessibility, and large-scale deployment could reshape how people move around cities, potentially reducing the need for private car ownership.
The presence of both Waymo and Tesla in Tampa highlights the growing competition in the autonomous ride-hailing market, while the company’s year-over-year growth and expansion into new regions underscore its momentum in the sector.
What this means for buyers
For consumers in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa, Waymo’s launch offers a new transportation option that does not require a human driver. Those interested in trying the service should sign up promptly, as access is being granted gradually. Riders in other cities can monitor Waymo’s ongoing expansion for future availability.
Potential users should compare pricing and service coverage with traditional ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft to determine the best fit for their needs.
Key Specs
- Cities Now Served: 14
- New Cities Added: Denver, San Diego, Tampa
- Coverage Area: Over 1,400 square miles (~3,626 km²)
- Safety Record: 94% fewer serious-injury crashes than human drivers
- Vehicle Type: Zeekr-built minivan-style platform (Denver and San Diego)
- Paid Rides (as of Dec 2025): Over 20 million
- Year-over-Year Growth: +25%
Source
Images sourced from: electrek.co, axios.com, gadgetreview.com
