Overview

• Waymo announced plans to launch its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Washington, D.C., by 2026, contingent on changes to local regulations requiring human drivers in autonomous vehicles.
• The company has been testing its vehicles in the city since January 2025, with safety drivers behind the wheel, as part of its preparation for the service rollout.
• Washington, D.C., will be Waymo’s first market with regular snowfall, presenting unique operational challenges that the company is addressing through winter weather testing.
• Waymo aims to expand its robotaxi services to Miami and Atlanta in 2026, alongside its D.C. launch, as part of its broader strategy to grow its market presence.
• The expansion into D.C. aligns with Waymo’s efforts to advocate for a unified federal regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles, which could streamline operations and build public trust.