Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to Teen Riders in Nashville

Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service to a new group of riders by allowing teenagers as young as 13 to use autonomous vehicles in Nashville. The Alphabet-owned company said the move is part of its broader effort to grow its rider base as its service expands into more markets.

Nashville becomes the second city where Waymo offers teen accounts, following the launch of the program in Phoenix. The company said additional cities are expected to receive teen accounts in the coming months where operations are established, and local regulations allow.

How Waymo Teen Accounts Work

Teen accounts must be connected to a parent or guardian account. Once activated, teenagers can request Waymo rides throughout the company’s Nashville service area and can bring up to three additional guests between the ages of 13 and 17.

Waymo did not provide details on how it will verify riders’ ages. The company said the program is designed for markets where its autonomous ride service has matured and where regulations support the expansion.

Waymo’s Growth Strategy

The company launched its Nashville robotaxi service in April 2026, initially covering a 50-square-mile area. Earlier this month, Waymo also made its robotaxis available through the Lyft app in the city.

Waymo’s paid robotaxi rides have grown significantly over the past two years as the company expanded into new locations. The company has launched services in multiple cities, including Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Tampa.

The teen account program gives Waymo another way to increase usage by targeting younger riders who often depend on parents or public transportation for school, jobs, and activities.

Family Transportation Option

The company’s expansion into teen rides creates a new use case for autonomous vehicles. Families may use the service as an alternative transportation option for teenagers who cannot drive themselves.

Waymo’s program lets teenagers travel independently while keeping the account linked to a parent or guardian, extending access to autonomous transportation beyond traditional adult riders.