Waymo Eyes Expansion into Three New U.S. Cities

New updates have been reported about Waymo (PC:WAYMO)

Waymo is set to expand its autonomous vehicle operations to Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Tampa, marking a significant step in its strategic growth across the United States. The company plans to begin manual driving in these cities shortly, a precursor to testing and validating its driverless technology. This move is part of Waymo’s broader strategy to launch a commercial robotaxi service in these locations, adding to its existing operations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta.

The expansion into these new cities presents unique challenges for Waymo. Minneapolis, known for its harsh winters, could test the limits of Waymo’s perception technology, particularly in snowy conditions. New Orleans, with its narrow, pedestrian-heavy streets, especially in the French Quarter, will require careful navigation by Waymo’s automated systems. As Waymo continues its growth trajectory, it remains to be seen if the company will form partnerships similar to those in other cities, such as its collaboration with Uber in Austin and Atlanta or Moove in Phoenix. This expansion underscores Waymo’s leading position in the autonomous vehicle market, outpacing competitors like Zoox and Tesla, who are also seeking to broaden their robotaxi services.