Waymo robotaxis are heading to Miami

Waymo is bringing its robotaxis to Miami. In early 2025, the self-driving unit of Alphabet said it will begin testing its all-electric Jaguar I-PACEs on Miami’s streets. Through its new fleet partnership with Moove, Waymo said its Waymo One robotaxi service will be open to riders in Miami in 2026.

Waymo has previously tested its robotaxis in different parts of Florida, including Miami. The company said testing its robotaxis in Florida’s challenging, rainy conditions has been invaluable in advancing its autonomous driving technology. 

“Fully autonomous driving technology offers a safe and convenient option to the people of Miami. I’m so pleased to welcome Waymo to our city,” said Francis X. Suarez, Mayor of Miami. “Waymo’s commitment to sustainability with their all-electric fleet is the perfect mobility option to our city as we continue to prioritize low-cost, clean energy.” 

Waymo has spent 2024 expanding its robotaxis across multiple cities, including San Francisco and Phoenix, where it provides curbside service at Sky Harbor International Airport. It also released its 6th generation robotaxi, equipped with an optimized sensor suite for greater performance at a reduced cost. Waymo also has a robotaxi service in Austin, but there’s a long waitlist, and the service isn’t yet open to everyone.

Most recently, Waymo removed its LA waitlist and opened its service fully to the public. The change occurred eight months after Waymo launched its limited robotaxi service in Los Angeles. In that time, nearly 300,000 people joined its waitlist. In the city, its service area covers Santa Monica, Hollywood Boulevard, USC, and places in between. 

Waymo said it already provides over 150,000 trips per week across Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin.

Waymo partners with Moove

Moove is an African mobility fintech that offers vehicle financing to gig workers. This will reportedly be the first time Moove works both in the United States and with an autonomous vehicle company. Moove operates in various cities across Africa, the Middle East, India, and the U.K., and it has raised over $400 million.

Waymo said it will first collaborate with Moove in Phoenix. There, Moove will begin taking on the management of Waymo’s fleet operations, facilities, and charging infrastructure.

“We are excited to partner with Moove in Phoenix and later Miami, bringing together their mobility-focused fleet management experience with our growing Waymo One service,” said Ryan McNamara, VP of operations at Waymo. “Together, we will provide safe, seamless trips for riders, and scale faster and more cost-effectively over time, with safety continuing to lead the way.”

In both Phoenix and Miami, Waymo will continue to offer its service through the Waymo One app. It will also remain responsible for the validation and operation of the Waymo Driver.

“Ride-hailing has transformed urban mobility over the past 15 years, yet the core experience has largely remained unchanged,” said Ladi Delano, co-founder and co-CEO at Moove. “Waymo’s safe, reliable, and convenient Waymo One service leads in autonomous technology, and together, we’re driving a major shift in urban mobility. Moove is proud to partner with Waymo, bringing the operational expertise to make this transformation possible.”

More autonomous vehicle developments

Waymo isn’t the only company hoping to deploy its self-driving technology on U.S. roads. In November, Nuro expanded its driverless capabilities using zero-occupant vehicles with the Nuro Driver system. The company said this expansion covers multiple cities in two states and includes significant operational advancements.

The expanded deployment of autonomous vehicles demonstrates foundational technology for transporting people and goods, asserted Nuro. It plans to expand in Mountain View and Palo Alto, Calif., where the company increased its deployment area by 83%. Nuro also plans to increase its deployment area in Houston by 70%, in terms of linear miles. 

Additionally, Zoox recently expanded its operations in California and Nevada. The company is now testing its robotaxis in San Francisco and expanded its Las Vegas geofence. Zoox is not offering public rides in either city yet, but it hopes to launch its Las Vegas operation in early 2025.