Waymo Launches Driverless Robotaxis on Freeways in First for US

Waymo will become the first robotaxi provider in the US to offer driverless rides on highways, a milestone that positions it to better compete with ride-hailing companies and traditional taxi services.

Beginning Wednesday, the Alphabet Inc. unit will begin offering some riders routes that include freeways in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles, it said in a statement. Freeway service will be available 24 hours a day. Users who have opted in to Waymo’s new services and features will be the first to be able to try this kind of trip.

Waymo will gradually make the new service available to more users over time, ...