Waymo has begun offering autonomous ride-hailing services to everyone in San Francisco.
The company has been steadily operating in San Francisco over the past few years, methodically expanding its reach over time. Tens of thousands of trips are now taken in its autonomous vehicles every week.
The ride-hailing service can be called 24/7 in all weather conditions, with the service now available for anyone in the city.
To date, Waymo has found that about 30% of its trips in the city are to local businesses, including restaurants, music venues, bars, coffee shops, parks, and museums, helping to support the local economy.
In a recent survey, more than half of riders reported using Waymo for medical appointments, appreciating the personal space the rides provide. Additionally, 36% of riders used Waymo to connect to other transit options like BART or Muni, while some have even used Waymo as their wedding car.
Michelle Cusano, Executive Director at The Richmond Neighborhood Center, said:I'm thankful to be living in a city that embraces technology when it can improve our lives with convenient and safe modes of transit.
Waymo’s fleet is entirely electric, powered by 100% renewable energy from San Francisco’s CleanPowerSF programme. According to a recent survey, 53% of Waymo’s San Francisco users feel the service has made their travel more environmentally friendly.
The majority of Waymo riders in San Francisco also report feeling safer when using the service.
Charles Renfroe, Development Manager at Openhouse SF, said:I enjoy riding in Waymo cars and appreciate the ease of transportation. Members of our community, especially transgender and gender non-conforming folks, don’t have to worry about being verbally assaulted or discriminated against when riding with Waymo.
Waymo’s safety record is strong, with data showing fewer high-severity collisions and fewer insurance claims compared to human drivers. Over the 3.8+ million miles driven in San Francisco, Waymo has been involved in fewer crashes than human-driven vehicles.
Patricia Rillera, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) California State Executive Director said:Drunk driving remains the leading cause of fatalities and injuries on American roads, claiming over 13,000 lives in 2021 alone. As drivers increasingly drive while impaired, the need for technological intervention becomes evident. MADD proudly collaborates with autonomous vehicle leaders like Waymo, recognising their potential to prevent tragedies caused by impaired, distracted, and drowsy driving.
Waymo also offers a unique experience for tourists, allowing them to explore San Francisco’s landmarks from the comfort of an autonomous vehicle. The service supports multiple languages, including Spanish and Chinese, ensuring an inclusive experience.
Nearly 300,000 people, including residents, workers, and visitors, have signed up to ride with Waymo since the waitlist opened, representing more than a quarter of the city’s population.
This incremental growth has now led to Waymo being available to everyone in San Francisco.
