Waymo Miami Robotaxi Launch: Target 1 Million Weekly Trips by 2026
Waymo launches its robotaxi service in Miami, targeting 1 million weekly trips by late 2026. Explore their expansion into 10 new cities and the ongoing safety investigations.
Could you imagine hailing a taxi with no one in the driver's seat? For Miami residents, it's no longer science fiction. On January 22, 2026, Waymo officially opened its autonomous ride-hailing service to the general public in Miami, starting with the nearly 10,000 locals on its waitlist.
Waymo Miami Robotaxi Coverage and Operations
The service initially spans a 60-square-mile area, covering high-traffic neighborhoods like the Design District, Wynwood, Brickell, and Coral Gables. While the company hasn't set a firm date, they've signaled that Miami International Airport will be added to the map "soon."
Waymo's arrival in Miami follows months of mapping and testing. In November 2025, the company removed safety operators from its fleet, moving from employee-only trials to a full commercial launch. This phased approach is now a core part of Waymo's global playbook.
Aggressive Expansion Plan for 2026
Waymo's growth trajectory is breathtaking. Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana stated that by the end of 2026, the company expects to facilitate 1 million trips per week. To hit this mark, Waymo is eyeing nearly a dozen more cities, including Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, and its first major international leap into London.
| Vehicle Model | Origin | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jaguar I-Pace | United Kingdom | Main Fleet |
| Zeekr RT (Ojai) | China | Testing Phase |
| Chrysler Pacifica | USA | Retired |
Regulatory Hurdles and Safety Recalls
It hasn't been all smooth sailing. The NHTSA opened an investigation last October after reports surfaced of Waymo vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses. Despite a voluntary software recall, new footage from Austin and Atlanta suggests the issue might still persist, keeping the company under intense federal scrutiny.
Authors
Related Articles
Waymo's new Ojai robotaxi isn't just a vehicle upgrade. It's the company's most serious attempt yet at cracking the cost problem that has kept autonomous vehicles from scaling. Here's what's really at stake.
A U.S. Senate investigation found that seven autonomous vehicle companies — including Waymo and Tesla — refused to disclose how often remote operators intervene in their vehicles. Here's why that silence matters.
Alphabet's new pay deal for Sundar Pichai links his compensation to Waymo and Wing performance—signaling where Google is placing its biggest bets. Here's what investors should actually read into it.
Swedish startup Einride raises $113M ahead of NYSE debut, deploying 200 autonomous trucks for major brands. The logistics revolution accelerates.
Waymo's new Ojai robotaxi isn't just a vehicle upgrade. It's the company's most serious attempt yet at cracking the cost problem that has kept autonomous vehicles from scaling. Here's what's really at stake.
A U.S. Senate investigation found that seven autonomous vehicle companies — including Waymo and Tesla — refused to disclose how often remote operators intervene in their vehicles. Here's why that silence matters.
Alphabet's new pay deal for Sundar Pichai links his compensation to Waymo and Wing performance—signaling where Google is placing its biggest bets. Here's what investors should actually read into it.
Swedish startup Einride raises $113M ahead of NYSE debut, deploying 200 autonomous trucks for major brands. The logistics revolution accelerates.
Thoughts
Share your thoughts on this article
Sign in to join the conversation