FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Waymo Rolls Out Self-Driving Taxis

Waymo has set a new standard for driverless-vehicle proponents and ride-hailing providers by launching Waymo One, a revenue-generating autonomous transportation service.

Tariq Kamal
Tariq KamalFormer Associate Publisher
Read Tariq's Posts
December 5, 2018
Waymo Rolls Out Self-Driving Taxis

Self-driving, revenue-generating taxis have officially hit the streets of Chandler, Ariz., and other Phoenix-area cities.

Photo courtesy Waymo

2 min to read


PHOENIX — Wednesday marks the official debut of Waymo One, a new taxi service launched by Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. A group of 400-plus Phoenix-area early adopters will have 24-hour access to an unknown number of Waymo’s 600-unit fleet of Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids through a proprietary smartphone app.

Much like ride-hailing leaders Uber and Lyft, Waymo’s app allows users to store their credit card information, check availability and price, and contact the service. Unlike its competitors, Waymo’s vehicles navigate in “fully” autonomous mode — for the moment, every unit will be accompanied by a human driver tasked with intervening in emergencies.

Ad Loading...

Waymo units have been tested on public roads throughout the U.S., tallying more than 10 million miles, many of them in the Arizona cities of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe.

In March, a Tempe woman was struck and killed by an Uber-operated SUV while walking her bicycle across the street at night. The Uber unit failed to stop and the vehicle’s “safety driver” failed to react in time. Despite that incident and others, Arizona remains a friendly regulatory environment for autonomous vehicle testers. No federal guidance on the technology appears to be immediately forthcoming.

“Over time, we hope to make Waymo One available to even more members of the public as we add vehicles and drive in more places,” wrote CEO John Krafcik in a blog entry Wednesday. “Self-driving technology is new to many, so we’re proceeding carefully with the comfort and convenience of our riders in mind.”

Topics:Showroom

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

More Showroom

Photo of red SUV parked outside a car dealership after dark
Showroomby Hannah MitchellSeptember 9, 2026

Dealers a Little Down

A third-quarter Cox Automotive survey finds them in a mixed mood, bummed by fallen customer traffic but encouraged by better profits, costs and EV interest.

Read More →
Silver car driving down road with graphic that says “Europe Plugs In”
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceSeptember 9, 2026

European EV Sales Skyrocket

The EV market on the continent held strong in July with almost 25% of new-car sales being fully electric units, a stark contrast to the U.S., where EV sales declined about 42%.

Read More →
Mitsubishi shadow line-up
Showroomby Hannah MitchellAugust 25, 2026

Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan

The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rear view of a red Hyundai Elantra
Showroomby Hannah MitchellAugust 17, 2026

Used Lots Getting the Business

Many consumers are seeking out the units to save money, and the demand – higher in July than normal – is keeping supply limited and prices up.

Read More →
outside shot of two trucks in front of a body of water with a cloudy sky
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 29, 2026

Used Market Stabilizes

The Carfax Used Car Index noted a major drop in used-vehicle price increases in July after several months of hikes.

Read More →
Twilight of white hybrid car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 22, 2026

California Hybrids Reach State Record

The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
White meeting room in car dealership with rims displayed on wall and projected screen
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJuly 22, 2026

My Mercedes in the U.S.

The German brand debuted its studio dealership concept for the first time in the states in Los Angeles, tapping Americans’ penchant for creative distinctions.

Read More →
Photo of parked cars of various types for sale on a lot
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJuly 20, 2026

Used Sales Hit Summer Drag

The vacation season, combined with high prices, has dented deliveries and added to inventories, though supply is still slim enough to keep listings elevated.

Read More →
desert road with cars driving away, Rebates Incoming with red star graphic, F&I and Showroom logo
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 15, 2026

California Launches EV Rebate Program

Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Aerial shot of a car dealership
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJuly 13, 2026

OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution

Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.

Read More →