Waymo is bringing its fully autonomous ride-hailing service to Washington, D.C., marking another major step toward a driverless future. The company announced that Waymo One will officially launch in the capital in 2026, but groundwork starts now. As self-driving taxis continue expanding across the U.S., D.C. will soon join cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, Atlanta, and Miami in experiencing Waymo’s fleet firsthand.
Laying the Groundwork for a Driverless Future
Before launching, Waymo is engaging with local communities, regulators, and emergency responders to ensure a smooth transition. The company will work closely with policymakers to establish the necessary regulations for fully driverless operations.
Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana emphasized the company’s commitment:
“We’re excited to bring the comfort, consistency, and safety of Waymo One to Washingtonians and the millions of visitors who travel to the District every year.”
The expansion will also serve as a test for public acceptance in a city where government security, high-profile figures, and dense pedestrian traffic present unique challenges.
How Big Is Waymo One Now?
Waymo’s fleet is growing rapidly, already completing 200,000 driverless rides per week—or about 30,000 per day. While it’s not at Uber or Lyft scale yet, it operates more autonomous vehicles than any traditional taxi fleet.
To date, Waymo has logged over 50 million fully autonomous miles, a number expected to skyrocket as expansion continues.
D.C. and Robotaxis—A Perfect Match?
Washington, D.C., is a city built on efficiency, but privacy concerns and political scrutiny could make this launch more complex than in other cities. Will government officials embrace the technology, or will concerns about security and surveillance slow adoption?
Jonathan Adkins, CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association, praised Waymo’s safety measures:
“I’ve experienced firsthand how safely the Waymo Driver operates around pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.”
What’s Coming Next?
Waymo’s D.C. launch signals a major shift in urban transportation. With self-driving taxis scaling fast, could human-driven cabs soon become a thing of the past?
