Waymo has temporarily halted its robotaxi service on freeways in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Miami to enhance performance in construction zones, as confirmed to TechCrunch. The company is integrating recent technical insights into its software and plans to resume these routes soon. Waymo robotaxis continue to operate on surface streets in these cities.
This freeway service suspension follows the previous halt in Atlanta and San Antonio, Texas, to address flooding issues, where a software recall aimed to help avoid flooded areas. A robotaxi was seen stuck in Atlanta, prompting a pause there as well.
Amid these disruptions, Waymo is aiming to expand to new global cities, targeting up to one million paid weekly rides by the end of 2026. The company is also testing its Zeekr-built robotaxi, Ojai, expected to launch soon.
Waymo began highway services in late 2025, crucial for expansion in metro areas by connecting riders to airports and shortening travel time. In the Bay Area, freeway travel has significantly reduced trip times.
Waymo didn’t mention a specific incident for halting freeway services, but robotaxis were seen struggling with highway construction zones. On May 19, X user @Elliot_slade claimed a Waymo ride went through cones and was pursued by police.
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