Starting at mile one
We started on this journey over a decade ago. Every mile we’ve driven on every road we’ve traveled has led us to where we are today. And we’re in it for the long haul — we’ve only just begun.
Our mission: Be the world’s most trusted driver
Every year, 1.4M lives are lost to traffic crashes around the world. The status quo is not acceptable. Waymo is committed to holding safety to a higher standard. Because when we do, we make space for people to get around in a whole new way. On this path, we aim to offer freedom of movement for all, create a sustainable, efficient transportation ecosystem, and make the planet better than we found it.
‘09
The Google self-driving car project begins
We set out on a challenge to drive autonomously over ten uninterrupted 100-mile routes in our Toyota Prius vehicles. Months later, we’d succeeded in driving more autonomous miles than had ever been driven before.‘15
First fully autonomous ride on public roads
We explored what self-driving cars could be with the Firefly. These cars had custom sensors, computers, steering, and braking, with no steering wheel or pedals. That year, our friend Steven Mahan took the world’s first fully self-driving ride on public roads in Austin, TX. Steve is legally blind.‘16
Waymo becomes an independent self-driving technology company
Waymo was established under Alphabet as a self-driving technology company with a mission to make it safe and easy for people and things to move around.‘17
Waymo's Early Rider Program begins
We invited residents in Arizona’s Metro Phoenix area to join us in the first public trial of autonomous ride-hailing. Their feedback has been integral in helping shape our technology, service, and customer experience.‘18
Waymo One launches in Metro Phoenix
We launched the world's first commercial autonomous ride-hailing service with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan — our first vehicle built on a mass-production platform designed for and integrated with the Waymo Driver.‘19
Fully autonomous rides ramp up within Waymo One
We began offering fully autonomous rides to select Waymo One riders in the Metro Phoenix area.‘20
Waymo opens up our fully autonomous, rider-only Waymo One service in Metro Phoenix to all members of the public
Anyone in the U.S. can download the Waymo One app directly (available on Google Play and the App Store) and instantly hail a fully autonomous ride in our service territory.
‘21
Waymo’s Trusted Tester research program begins
We began allowing select San Franciscans to use our autonomous ride-hailing service for their everyday needs while providing valuable feedback that helps shape the future of mobility.‘22
Waymo launches rider-only service to the public in SF
In early 2022 we began serving fully autonomous riders — with no human behind the wheel — to employees and the public alike through our waitlist and to Trusted Testers.
‘22
Waymo offers first-ever fully autonomous ride-hailing service to an airport
Waymo becomes the first autonomous ride-hailing service to offer paid, fully autonomous, 24/7 rides to and from an airport after launching rides at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
‘23
Waymo serves its first fully autonomous rides in its next ride-hailing city: LA
After announcing that Los Angeles will be Waymo’s next ride-hailing city, we served our first-ever, rider-only rides in LA with employees.
‘23
Waymo autonomous fleet becomes all-electric
We transitioned to an all-electric fleet, bidding a fond farewell to the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, and committing to the Jaguar I-PACE across our Waymo One fleet.
‘23
Waymo One doubles service area in Metro Phoenix, adding Scottsdale
In May 2023, we connected our Downtown Phoenix and East Valley service territories in Arizona and added Scottsdale, making it the largest fully autonomous, paid ride-hailing service area in the world at 180 square miles.
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Leading the way
Our leadership team comes from many backgrounds, but they share one mission: to make it safer and easier for people and things to get where they’re going. Get to know our leaders and what drives them here at Waymo.
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