Start of Testing in Denver and Seattle
Waymo has begun expanding its services in Denver, Colorado, and Seattle, Washington, initiating a testing phase with human drivers behind the wheel. This step is aimed at refining operations and preparing for future fully autonomous rides.
Fleet Composition
Denver will utilize Jaguar I-PACE vehicles with the fifth generation of the Waymo Driver system and Zeekr RT vehicles with the sixth generation. Both vehicle types will initially have a human driver to collect data on urban conditions, weather, and traffic, as well as to coordinate with local authorities.
Reaction from Local Authorities
Governor Jared Polis stated:
I am excited to help Coloradans get around faster and safer with additional transportation options.
Mayor Mike Johnston added:
Waymo’s innovative, environmentally clean technology will not only make our streets safer but also cleaner, and I look forward to taking my first ride.
Parallel Testing in Seattle
A similar process is taking place in Seattle, where human drivers are also collecting data on traffic and driving conditions ahead of the future transition to full autonomous operation. Waymo emphasizes that its experience operating in heavy rain, snow, and complex urban landscapes will help successfully deploy the service in both cities.
Broader Context of Expansion
This initiative is part of a large-scale expansion by Waymo, which already provides fully autonomous services in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta. The company also plans to enter the markets of Miami, Washington, New York, and other cities. Waymo recently received permission to operate at San Jose Airport, confirming its leadership position in the autonomous taxi industry, despite the activity of competitors such as Tesla.
Expansion into new markets demonstrates how quickly autonomous driving technology is developing and how companies are adapting it to diverse conditions. It also opens new opportunities for cities seeking to improve their transportation infrastructure, making it safer and more efficient. In the future, such initiatives could become the standard for urban transport worldwide.