Waymo accelerates robotaxi expansion with launches in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa

Key Points:

• Waymo has expanded its robotaxi service to Denver, San Diego, and Tampa, increasing its commercial operations to 14 U.S. cities and growing its fleet to over 4,000 vehicles, including the new Ojai minivan.
• The company is gradually inviting riders in these cities, following a phased rollout that includes mapping, testing, and regulatory approvals before opening paid rides to the public.
• This expansion comes amid growing competition from Tesla, which offers driverless rides in several cities and is developing a custom Cybercab to accelerate its robotaxi efforts.
• Waymo’s aggressive growth began 18 months ago with key launches in Austin, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and it continues to secure permits for large-scale operations, including a recent approval in Nevada for up to 1,000 autonomous vehicles.
• Beyond the U.S., Waymo plans to launch robotaxi services in international markets such as London and Munich, signaling its ambition to lead the global autonomous ride-hailing market.