Waymo has announced that is to begin offering its driverless taxi servicer on freeways across San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix, The move represents a significant first for the Google subsidiary as it continues to scale up expansion amid global and domestic competition in the self-driving industry.

A company statement said:

“The open road symbolizes freedom and unlimited possibility – highlighted especially by the ease and speed by which freeways allow us to get where we’re going. Waymo is now bringing that experience into the autonomous driving age, as we begin welcoming riders to use Waymo on freeways across the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. 

“We’re offering freeway access to a growing number of public riders and will introduce the service to more over time, including as we expand freeway capabilities to Austin, Atlanta, and beyond – always guided by our commitment to safety and service excellence. Freeway trips make Waymo even more convenient and efficient, whether you’re headed to Sky Harbor International Airport, cruising from Downtown LA to Culver City, or commuting in our newly expanded Bay Area service.

“Today, we’re also opening access across the entire Peninsula, expanding service from San Francisco all the way down to San Jose, including curbside service at San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC). 

“Expanding our service territory in the Bay Area and introducing freeways is built on real-world performance and millions of miles logged on freeways, skillfully handling highway dynamics with our employees and guests in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. This experience, reinforced by comprehensive testing as well as extensive operational preparation, supports the delivery of a safe and reliable service. We’ve also closely collaborated with safety officials, to seamlessly support this new phase of service.”

(Pictrure: Waymo)