Waymo driverless cars will hit U.S. freeways for the first time — in Arizona

By Nate Engle
Published: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - 10:11am
Updated: Monday, January 15, 2024 - 10:53am

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Waymo service in Phoenix
Christina Estes/KJZZ
Waymo service in Phoenix features fully electric Jaguar I-PACE models.

Autonomous vehicles are nothing new to Valley residents. Waymo has been operating driverless taxis in the Valley since late 2020.

The company announced Monday that it plans to expand services to Arizona’s freeways, beginning with employee-only rides before fully rolling out to the public.

Up until now, its vehicles have been confined to surface streets, and Waymo notes operating on freeways will improve travel times.

This will be the first time driverless vehicles have been allowed on U.S. freeways.

The Show spoke with Andrew Hawkins, transportation editor at The Verge, about this. 

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