Waymo robotaxis return to Phoenix freeways, more cities soon

Waymo robotaxis began operating on freeways in Phoenix on 29 July 2026, and the company plans to expand the service to additional cities. From 29 July 2026, Phoenix riders can be picked up and dropped off via high-speed freeway routes, enabling faster, more direct trips across the metropolitan region. Freeway driving marks a notable advance for autonomous ride-hailing, as it involves higher speeds and complex merging maneuvers. Waymo's capability to safely manage these conditions could boost public trust and regulatory support for wider deployment. The company has tested its autonomous technology on freeways for years. It first introduced a fully driverless ride-hailing service in Phoenix in 2020, initially limited to surface streets. Waymo will likely gather data from freeway operations to aid expansion to other highway systems. The next steps include bringing the service to more cities, though regulatory approvals and specific launch dates have not been disclosed.