Waymo driverless cars on freeways are officially rolling out in the United States. Google’s self-driving car division has announced that its autonomous vehicles are moving beyond city streets and starting to operate on freeways in several regions.
This expansion marks a major milestone for Waymo’s growing robotaxi network. The company also notes that “a growing number of public riders” will soon gain access to these longer routes.
Waymo driverless cars on freeways in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles
The new freeway rides are launching across San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
Until now, most Waymo rides were limited to urban areas. However, with this expansion, commuters can now enjoy driverless freeway trips — for work commutes, airport rides, or even short drives like from downtown LA to Culver City.
In the Bay Area, the freeway coverage is especially broad. Waymo’s service zone now runs from San Francisco down to San Jose, including San Jose Mineta International Airport.
Expect to see more of those futuristic Waymo cars with spinning LiDAR sensors cruising alongside you.
A cautious but confident rollout
Waymo says this freeway rollout is “just the beginning.” The company emphasizes that its vehicles have already logged millions of highway miles and can “skillfully handle highway dynamics.”
The expansion will move forward gradually, as Waymo collects data and rider feedback. If everything runs smoothly, more cities will soon join the program.
What’s next for Waymo driverless cars on freeways
Waymo isn’t stopping here. The company has confirmed that similar freeway programs are coming to Austin and Atlanta, with more cities to follow.
In addition, San Diego, Detroit, and Las Vegas will get new driverless routes next year. However, those cars will stay off the freeways for now.
Why this expansion matters
The Waymo driverless cars on freeways milestone is more than just a tech update — it’s a major step toward the future of autonomous mobility. Freeway driving involves higher speeds, denser traffic, and more complex decision-making.
By proving that its vehicles can safely handle these challenges, Waymo is showing that driverless travel is no longer a futuristic dream. For riders, this means safer commutes, smoother long-distance travel, and one step closer to a hands-free future.
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