I’ve been following the development of autonomous vehicles for years, and nothing has impressed me more than watching Waymo self-driving cars navigate busy city streets with remarkable precision. As someone who has experienced multiple rides in these vehicles, I can confidently say that Waymo is leading the charge in making fully autonomous transportation a reality.
Waymo is now clocking more than 250,000 paid rides a week, on track to double last year’s total, proving that self-driving technology has moved beyond the experimental phase into practical, everyday use. The company operates in major cities across the United States, offering passengers a glimpse into the future of transportation.
What Makes Waymo Self-Driving Cars Different
The Technology Behind Waymo’s Success
Waymo self-driving cars represent the pinnacle of autonomous vehicle technology. Unlike other companies that rely primarily on cameras and basic sensors, Waymo uses a comprehensive suite of advanced technologies that work together seamlessly.
The vehicles are equipped with multiple LiDAR sensors, high-resolution cameras, and radar systems that create a 360-degree view of the environment. This redundancy ensures that if one sensor fails or encounters difficult conditions, others can compensate.
I’ve noticed during my rides that these vehicles can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles from remarkable distances. They can even identify hand signals from traffic officers and respond appropriately to construction zones.
The Waymo Driver – Beyond Human Capabilities
The Waymo Driver is the company’s artificial intelligence system that controls the vehicle. What sets it apart is its ability to process information from multiple sources simultaneously and make split-second decisions based on millions of miles of driving data.
The system has been trained on countless scenarios, from simple highway driving to complex urban intersections. It can handle situations that might confuse human drivers, such as temporary road closures, emergency vehicles, and unexpected obstacles.
Safety Record – The Numbers Don’t Lie
Impressive Safety Statistics
When it comes to safety, Waymo self-driving cars have an outstanding track record. The data shows that Waymo is making roads safer where it operates, including being involved in 81% fewer injury-causing crashes compared to a human benchmark.
Through March 2025, Waymo has driven 71M rider-only miles without a human driver, accumulating valuable real-world experience that continues to improve the system’s performance.
Protecting Vulnerable Road Users
Recent studies have shown particularly impressive results for protecting those most at risk on the roads. A 2025 peer-reviewed study by Waymo researchers found that collisions with bicycles and motorcycles were 82% less frequent for Waymo cars than for human drivers, and that collisions with pedestrians were 92% less frequent.
This data is crucial because pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are often the most vulnerable participants in traffic. The ability of Waymo vehicles to better protect these road users represents a significant advancement in urban safety.
Understanding Waymo Accidents
It’s important to address the elephant in the room – Waymo accidents do occur. There were 696 Waymo accidents reported between 2021 and 2024. Note: Not all of these incidents were caused by Waymo vehicles; they simply involved one.
The key point here is that most incidents involving Waymo vehicles are not caused by the autonomous system itself but rather by other drivers, environmental factors, or unavoidable circumstances. The company maintains transparency by reporting all incidents to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Where Can You Ride Waymo Self-Driving Cars
Current Service Areas
As of 2025, Waymo operates in several major metropolitan areas across the United States. The service is currently available in:
Phoenix, Arizona – The company’s first major commercial deployment and most mature market San Francisco, California – A challenging urban environment that showcases the technology’s capabilities Los Angeles, California – Recently expanded despite some temporary service interruptions Austin, Texas – Available through partnerships with ride-sharing platforms
Upcoming Expansions
Waymo One, the world’s leading fully autonomous ride-hailing service, will be ready for riders in the nation’s capital on the Waymo One app in 2026. This expansion to Washington, D.C. represents a significant milestone for the company
The company has also announced plans for additional cities, though specific timelines vary based on regulatory approval and infrastructure readiness.
Cost and Pricing – What You’ll Pay
Waymo vs Traditional Ride-Sharing
One of the most common questions I get is about pricing. At peak hours, Obi found Waymo’s average price to be about $11 more expensive than a Lyft and nearly $9.50 pricier than an Uber.
While Waymo rides do cost more than traditional ride-sharing services, many passengers are willing to pay the premium for the unique experience and added safety benefits. “I didn’t expect consumers being willing to pay up to $10 more,” Anburajan said. “I think [that] speaks to a real sense of excitement for technology, novelty,”
Factors Affecting Waymo Pricing
Several factors influence the cost of a Waymo ride:
Time of Day – Peak hours command higher prices, similar to traditional ride-sharing Distance – Longer trips generally cost more per mile Demand – High-demand periods see price increases Location – Some areas within service zones may have different pricing structures
The Vehicles – What You’ll Ride In
Jaguar I-PACE Platform
Currently, most Waymo self-driving cars are based on the Jaguar I-PACE, a fully electric luxury SUV. The Waymo Driver integration plant will build thousands of Jaguar I-PACEs equipped with our fully autonomous technology, which we design and assemble in the U.S.
The choice of an electric vehicle aligns with Waymo’s commitment to sustainable transportation. The I-PACE provides a quiet, smooth ride that many passengers find more comfortable than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Manufacturing and Job Creation
At 239,000 square feet, this factory is a multi-million dollar investment and has created hundreds of jobs in Mesa, AZ. This domestic manufacturing approach helps ensure quality control and supports the American economy
How Waymo Self-Driving Cars Work
The Booking Process
Using Waymo is remarkably similar to other ride-sharing apps. You download the Waymo One app, create an account, and request a ride. The main difference is that when your vehicle arrives, there’s no human driver behind the wheel
The Ride Experience
I’ve taken dozens of Waymo rides, and each one still feels somewhat magical. The vehicle arrives precisely on time, unlocks automatically when you approach, and begins the journey as soon as you’re buckled in.
The ride itself is smooth and conservative. Waymo vehicles tend to be more cautious than human drivers, which some passengers find reassuring while others might consider it overly cautious.
Safety Features During Your Ride
Every Waymo vehicle is equipped with multiple safety systems:
Emergency Stop Button – Passengers can immediately stop the vehicle if needed 24/7 Customer Support – Direct connection to Waymo’s support team Continuous Monitoring – The fleet is monitored remotely by Waymo’s team Backup Systems – Multiple redundant systems ensure continued operation
Waymo vs Tesla – The Autonomous Vehicle Competition
Different Approaches to Self-Driving
The competition between Waymo and Tesla represents two fundamentally different approaches to autonomous driving. While both companies aim for full self-driving capability, their methods couldn’t be more different.
Tesla is trying something different: A low-touch approach based on cameras and A.I. “The issue with Waymo’s cars,” Musk said this spring, “is they cost way-mo money.” Tesla’s “full self-driving” hardware may cost as little as $400.
Commercial Deployment vs Consumer Ownership
Waymo focuses on commercial ride-sharing services with fully autonomous vehicles, while Tesla sells cars to consumers with driver assistance features that they market as “Full Self-Driving” capability.
The key difference is that Waymo vehicles operate without any human driver present, while Tesla’s system still requires an attentive human driver ready to take control at any moment.
The Future of Waymo Self-Driving Cars
Partnership with Toyota
It comes after Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said the company is exploring personal ownership of vehicles with Waymo technology. This partnership with Toyota could eventually bring Waymo’s technology to personally owned vehicles
This development would represent a significant shift in Waymo’s business model, potentially allowing consumers to purchase vehicles equipped with the Waymo Driver system.
Scaling Production and Service
The company continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities and service areas. The focus on domestic production and job creation positions Waymo as a leader in American autonomous vehicle technology.
Challenges and Controversies
Recent Incidents in Los Angeles
The autonomous vehicle industry faces ongoing challenges, including public acceptance and occasional incidents. Waymo, a subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet, is temporarily removing its autonomous cars from downtown Los Angeles after rioters set some of the vehicles on fire in response to federal immigration raids.
These incidents highlight the complex relationship between advanced technology and public perception. While the technology itself may be safe, social and political factors can still impact operations.
Regulatory Challenges
Operating autonomous vehicles requires navigating complex regulatory environments in different cities and states. Each new market requires extensive testing and regulatory approval before commercial operations can begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waymo ride cost?
Waymo rides typically cost more than traditional ride-sharing services. On average, expect to pay about $9-11 more than Uber or Lyft, with higher premiums during peak demand periods.
How many accidents has Waymo had?
Waymo has been involved in hundreds of reported incidents, but the vast majority were not caused by the autonomous system itself. The company maintains transparency by reporting all incidents to federal authorities.
What is the Waymo controversy?
Recent controversies include vehicle vandalism in Los Angeles and ongoing debates about the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles. Some communities have expressed concerns about job displacement and technology dependence
Is Waymo safer than human drivers?
Statistical evidence suggests yes. Waymo vehicles are involved in significantly fewer injury-causing crashes, with 81% fewer such incidents compared to human drivers in similar conditions.
Is Waymo owned by Google?
Waymo is owned by Alphabet Inc., which is also Google’s parent company. It operates as a separate subsidiary focused specifically on autonomous vehicle technology.
What happens if Waymo gets in an accident?
Waymo maintains comprehensive insurance coverage and has established protocols for handling incidents. The company works with local authorities and insurance providers to address any accidents involving their vehicles.
Is Waymo really driverless?
Yes, Waymo vehicles operating in commercial service are fully driverless. There is no human driver present in the vehicle during passenger rides.
Has anyone been injured in Waymo?
While Waymo has an excellent safety record, some minor injuries have occurred in incidents involving their vehicles. However, the rate of injury-causing crashes is significantly lower than with human drivers
What happens if Waymo gets stuck?
Waymo vehicles are monitored remotely by a support team that can provide guidance if a vehicle encounters an unusual situation. The company has protocols for handling stuck vehicles and getting passengers to their destinations.
Is Waymo a Chinese company?
No, Waymo is an American company owned by Alphabet Inc. The company develops and manufactures its technology in the United States.
Is Waymo fully electric?
Current Waymo vehicles are based on the fully electric Jaguar I-PACE platform, making them zero-emission vehicles that contribute to cleaner urban air quality.
The Impact on Urban Transportation
Changing City Dynamics
Waymo self-driving cars are beginning to change how cities think about transportation infrastructure. Reduced need for parking, more efficient traffic flow, and improved accessibility for those who cannot drive traditional vehicles are just some of the potential benefits.
Environmental Benefits
The use of fully electric vehicles in the Waymo fleet contributes to reduced urban emissions. As the technology scales and more cities adopt autonomous vehicle services, the environmental impact could be substantial.
Getting Started with Waymo
How to Use the Service
To start using Waymo, download the Waymo One app from your device’s app store. Create an account, verify your identity, and you’ll be ready to book rides in supported cities.
Tips for First-Time Riders
If you’re new to autonomous vehicles, here are some tips based on my experience:
Be Patient – The vehicle may drive more conservatively than you’re used to Trust the Technology – The sensors and AI system are constantly monitoring the environment Use the App – The Waymo app provides real-time updates and allows you to track your ride Ask Questions – Customer support is available if you have concerns during your ride
Conclusion – waymo self driving cars
Waymo self-driving cars represent a significant leap forward in transportation technology. With their impressive safety record, expanding service areas, and continuous technological improvements, they’re paving the way for a future where autonomous vehicles are commonplace.
While challenges remain, including public acceptance and regulatory hurdles, the data clearly shows that this technology is not only viable but actively making roads safer. As someone who has experienced the technology firsthand, I believe Waymo is setting the standard for what autonomous transportation should be.
The future of transportation is arriving faster than many people realize, and Waymo is leading the way. Whether you’re curious about the technology or ready to experience it yourself, these vehicles offer a glimpse into a future where getting from point A to point B is safer, more efficient, and more accessible for everyone.
Melanie Lopez is a passionate content specialist at American National Car Insurance, dedicated to simplifying car insurance for every American driver. With years of industry expertise, she crafts informative and engaging articles to help users make confident insurance decisions.