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IMAGE CREDITS: KIRSTEN KOROSEC
IMAGE CREDITS: KIRSTEN KOROSEC

Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to Denver, San Diego and Tampa

Waymo launches public robotaxi service in Denver, San Diego and Tampa, expanding its autonomous ride-hailing operations across 14 U.S. cities.

Waymo has expanded its commercial robotaxi operations to three more U.S. cities, bringing its autonomous ride-hailing service to Denver, San Diego and Tampa as the company continues to grow its footprint across the country.

The Alphabet-owned autonomous driving company said riders in the three markets will receive invitations on a rolling basis as access gradually increases. The expansion brings Waymo’s commercial operations to 14 U.S. cities and pushes its fleet of self-driving vehicles beyond 4,000 units, including Jaguar I-Pace vehicles and its newer Ojai minivan.

Waymo grows robotaxi network across the U.S.

The launches follow a rapid expansion strategy that accelerated after Waymo began charging customers for fully driverless rides in San Francisco in 2023. Before that milestone, the company had operated a robotaxi service in Phoenix for several years.

Waymo later expanded throughout the San Francisco Bay Area before entering Los Angeles in 2024. In 2025, the company launched a robotaxi service in Austin through a partnership with Uber, followed by additional markets, including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, and San Antonio.

The company’s latest expansion comes as competitors continue building their own autonomous ride services. Tesla currently offers paid robotaxi rides using modified Model Y vehicles in several Texas and Florida markets, including Tampa, while also developing its custom-built Cybercab vehicle.

New Ojai minivan joins Waymo’s fleet expansion

Waymo is following its established rollout process in Denver, San Diego and Tampa by first testing and mapping its autonomous driving systems before gradually opening access to riders. Local regulations often determine how quickly the company can move from testing to commercial passenger service.

In Denver and San Diego, Waymo’s next-generation Ojai robotaxi will be the only autonomous vehicle available to riders. The Zeekr-made minivan uses Waymo’s sixth-generation self-driving system and was designed to reduce manufacturing, operating and maintenance costs.

The Ojai fleet remains much smaller than Waymo’s Jaguar I-Pace fleet, with around 300 vehicles currently available. The company expects that number to increase as it expands its robotaxi operations.

Waymo prepares for broader expansion

Waymo is also continuing expansion plans beyond its current U.S. markets. The company is preparing potential robotaxi launches in international locations including London and Munich.

Earlier this year, the Nevada Transportation Authority approved permits allowing Waymo to operate up to 1,000 autonomous vehicles in Clark County s over the following year, which includes Las Vegas. Tesla and Uber also received permits from the agency.

The latest launches show Waymo’s continued effort to scale autonomous transportation by gradually expanding into new markets while increasing the size of its self-driving vehicle fleet.

Shivangi Yadav

Shivangi Yadav is a technology writer at TechAmerica.ai, covering artificial intelligence, startups, digital platforms, consumer technology, mobility, and emerging technologies. Her reporting follows major developments across the global technology industry… All stories by Shivangi

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