Waymo Gears Up for Autonomous Ride-Hailing in Washington, D.C.

Waymo plans to launch its full autonomous ride-hailing service in Washington, D.C., next year. The company is moving vehicles to the city and coordinating with policymakers to establish legal frameworks. Waymo aims to expand despite safety concerns that have previously led to vehicle recalls and investigations.

Alphabet's self-driving unit, Waymo, announced plans to introduce its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Washington, D.C., in the coming year. The company has started transferring its vehicles to the U.S. capital, aiming for a commercial launch after its successful operations in other major cities.

While Waymo's driverless technology is gaining traction, the company is working closely with policymakers to establish clear legal frameworks for operations without human drivers in Washington, D.C. This move highlights a significant step for autonomous vehicle deployment in the backdrop of federal oversight and regulatory evaluations.

Despite its success, Waymo faces scrutiny over safety concerns. After incidents and a recall of several self-driving vehicles, the company remains focused on enhancing its technology. Waymo reported 154 fewer injury-causing crashes than average human drivers over millions of miles, bolstering its safety claims.

(With inputs from agencies.)