Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle unit, Waymo, is launching a commercial robotaxi service in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, marking a significant expansion in Texas after a regulatory setback in New York.
Starting Tuesday, Waymo will offer fully autonomous rides without a safety driver in designated zones ranging from 25 to 60 square miles, depending on the city.
Service Areas
- Houston: Inside the 38-mile Loop encircling downtown
- Dallas: 50 square miles across downtown and surrounding neighborhoods
- San Antonio: 60 square miles, including major tourist destinations such as the Alamo
Waymo will initially invite select users who have downloaded its app. Broader public access is expected later this year.
Part of Broader Expansion Strategy
The Texas rollout supports Waymo’s goal to launch service in over 20 cities this year, including international markets like London and Tokyo, and U.S. cities such as Nashville and Orlando. Waymo recently launched service in Miami and will soon begin operations in Orlando.
This follows a setback in New York, where Governor Kathy Hochul withdrew a proposal to permit driverless rides outside New York City due to insufficient stakeholder support.
Texas as a Competitive Testing Ground
Waymo has operated in Austin via the Uber app since last year. Around the same time, Tesla launched its own ride-hailing service there, though most Tesla vehicles still require human safety monitors.
In the new Texas cities, Waymo will initially manage its fleet and depot operations. Later this year, Avis Budget Group will assume fleet management in Dallas. In other markets, Waymo partners with Uber-backed fleet operators.
Although Texas service areas are smaller than established markets like San Francisco, where Waymo operates across 260 square miles, this expansion highlights Texas’s growing role as a key testing ground for autonomous transportation.