Waymo Invites Riders in 3 New Cities, Now Operating in 14 Markets
Riders must receive an invitation from Waymo before booking through the company's app.
Waymo has opened its rider invitation program to three additional cities, expanding its footprint to 14 markets where the Alphabet-owned robotaxi service operates without a human safety driver.
What Happened
According to CleanTechnica, Waymo is inviting riders in Tampa, Charlotte, and Columbus as part of its ongoing expansion. The company now serves 14 markets across the United States with its autonomous ride-hailing service. To access the service, riders must receive an invitation from Waymo before they can book rides through the company's app.
Why It Matters
For EV owners and potential buyers, Waymo's continued growth signals increasing competition in the autonomous vehicle space. With 14 markets now served—including these three new Southeast and Midwest cities—the company is expanding consumer access to fully driverless robotaxis, a milestone few competitors have achieved commercially. This expansion underscores how autonomy technology is maturing beyond limited pilot programs toward broader consumer availability.
The Bottom Line
Waymo's expansion to 14 markets highlights its position as a leader in commercial autonomous ride-hailing. Its growth comes as other players, including Cruise and Tesla, continue developing their own robotaxi programs.
