Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to Four New U.S. Cities

On February 24, 2026, Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, announced the launch of its robotaxi service in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando. This expansion brings Waymo's operational footprint to ten major U.S. metropolitan areas, including previously established markets such as Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Miami. The company aims to solidify its position as a leader in the North American driverless ride-hailing market, particularly as competitors like Tesla and Amazon's Zoox continue limited testing in fewer cities.

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Initially, the robotaxi service will be available to "select riders" who have downloaded the Waymo app. Invitations for rides will be extended on a rolling basis, with plans to make the service generally accessible by the end of 2026. Waymo's co-CEO, Tekedra Mawakana, emphasized the importance of these new cities, stating, "Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando are critical to our plans, as we lay groundwork for service in 20+ cities."

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Waymo's robotaxis will operate 24/7 through its app, with fleet management handled by Avis in Dallas and potentially other partners in the new markets. The service will initially cover designated zones ranging from 25 to 60 square miles, depending on the city. In Houston, for example, the service will run within the Loop, while Dallas will cover downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

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The expansion into Texas and Florida is significant, as these states represent some of the fastest-growing urban areas in the U.S. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex alone serves over 7.6 million residents, presenting a substantial market for autonomous ride-hailing. Additionally, Orlando's inclusion allows Waymo to test its technology in a vacation-heavy environment, further diversifying its operational challenges.

Waymo Expands to 10 US Cities with Texas, Florida Launch

Waymo recently raised $16 billion, boosting its valuation to approximately $126 billion. This financial support is crucial as the company aims to increase its weekly rides from over 400,000 to one million by the end of 2026. Future expansions are anticipated in cities like Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., and potentially London, marking Waymo's first international foray.

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Despite the ambitious rollout, Waymo faces scrutiny regarding safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened investigations into incidents involving its vehicles, including a recent case where a Waymo robotaxi struck a child. As the company expands, maintaining safety and public trust will be critical to its long-term success.

Waymo Robotaxis Now Operate in Ten US Cities

Waymo's latest expansion into Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando marks a pivotal moment in its journey toward establishing a comprehensive autonomous ride-hailing network across the United States. As the company prepares for further growth, the focus will be on scaling operations, ensuring safety, and navigating the competitive landscape of autonomous transportation.

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