Waymo Prepares to Debut Autonomous Robotaxi Services in Dallas by 2026
In a significant move towards scaling autonomous ride-hailing services, Waymo and Avis Budget Group have announced a strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to launch Waymo's robotaxi service publicly in Dallas in 2026, with initial testing already underway.
As part of the partnership, Avis Budget Group will handle fleet operations, including vehicle readiness, infrastructure, maintenance, and depot management. The company, with its 75+ years of experience in vehicle fleet management, will support Waymo’s robotaxi operations.
On the other hand, Waymo will manage the autonomous driving technology and the customer-facing ride-hailing service via its app. The company's mission is to provide safer, more reliable transportation options, as emphasized by co-CEO, Tekedra Mawakana.
The Dallas launch of Waymo's service will focus on its proprietary ride-hailing system, and the company has logged over 100 million autonomous miles on public roads. Currently, Waymo is operational in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco.
The partnership is a significant step for Avis as it transitions from a traditional rental car business to a leading provider of fleet management and mobility solutions. Residents and visitors in Dallas will be able to hail rides through the Waymo app for 24/7 driverless trips.
The self-driving Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles are currently undergoing testing on the streets of downtown Dallas. Waymo plans to bring its fully driverless robotaxi service to Dallas in 2026, and the company aims to expand to additional cities in the near future, though specific locations have not been disclosed.
Miami and Washington, D.C., are also set to join Waymo’s ride-hailing network next year. Avis CEO, Brian Choi, described the agreement as a "pivotal milestone" in the company's journey towards becoming a leading provider of fleet management and mobility solutions.
The partnership between Waymo and Avis marks a significant step towards the future of autonomous transportation, with both companies committed to providing safer, more efficient, and more accessible transportation options.
- The partnership between Waymo and Avis Budget Group signifies a crucial move for Avis, as it transitions from a traditional rental car business towards becoming a leading provider of fleet management and mobility solutions.
- Waymo, with its focus on technology, will be managing the autonomous driving technology and the customer-facing ride-hailing service, while Avis Budget Group will handle fleet operations, including vehicle readiness, infrastructure, maintenance, and depot management.
- The collaboration in the automotive industry, coordinated by two prominent players - Waymo and Avis Budget Group - reflects a joint commitment towards providing safer, more efficient, and more accessible transportation options, particularly in the realm of autonomous ride-hailing services.
