Waymo's Robotaxis Now Fully Autonomous in Nashville, But Still No Bookings Allowed.
Nashville has become the latest city where Waymo's self-driving vehicles are fully operational, marking a significant step towards commercial availability. The company had announced plans to introduce its robotaxis in Nashville as early as September 2025, with initial test rides expected this year. However, despite extensive testing since then, riders have yet to be able to book a ride.
Waymo's rigorous testing process is designed to ensure public safety before launching a paid service. In each new city, the company has safety drivers map the area and update its software with information gathered from those tests. This includes accounting for local driving rules and conditions. However, despite this thorough approach, Waymo has faced issues in the past, including software recalls due to vehicle malfunctions.
The company's vehicles have previously encountered problems such as hitting gates, telephone poles, stationary vehicles, and even school buses. A recent recall was issued after its robotaxis failed to stop for school buses. To mitigate these risks, Waymo is continually refining its technology.
Currently, Waymo's robotaxis are available in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Austin through a partnership with Uber. The service is also offered in New York, New Orleans, Seattle, and Tokyo, Japan, although riders are not yet being served in these locations. Nashville joins a growing list of cities where Waymo is conducting or planning to conduct driverless trials, including Boston, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, Washington, and London, UK.
The city's fully autonomous ride-hailing service brings the company one step closer to its goal of providing safe and convenient transportation to the public.
Nashville has become the latest city where Waymo's self-driving vehicles are fully operational, marking a significant step towards commercial availability. The company had announced plans to introduce its robotaxis in Nashville as early as September 2025, with initial test rides expected this year. However, despite extensive testing since then, riders have yet to be able to book a ride.
Waymo's rigorous testing process is designed to ensure public safety before launching a paid service. In each new city, the company has safety drivers map the area and update its software with information gathered from those tests. This includes accounting for local driving rules and conditions. However, despite this thorough approach, Waymo has faced issues in the past, including software recalls due to vehicle malfunctions.
The company's vehicles have previously encountered problems such as hitting gates, telephone poles, stationary vehicles, and even school buses. A recent recall was issued after its robotaxis failed to stop for school buses. To mitigate these risks, Waymo is continually refining its technology.
Currently, Waymo's robotaxis are available in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Austin through a partnership with Uber. The service is also offered in New York, New Orleans, Seattle, and Tokyo, Japan, although riders are not yet being served in these locations. Nashville joins a growing list of cities where Waymo is conducting or planning to conduct driverless trials, including Boston, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, Washington, and London, UK.
The city's fully autonomous ride-hailing service brings the company one step closer to its goal of providing safe and convenient transportation to the public.