Image: Waymo
Waymo has officially launched its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Miami, opening its doors to the public starting today. According to Waymo, nearly 10,000 residents have already signed up, with invitations rolling out gradually to ensure a smooth experience across the company’s initial 60-square-mile service area.
The launch marks a major milestone for Waymo in Florida. The service area spans some of Miami’s most recognizable neighborhoods, including the Design District, Wynwood, Brickell, and Coral Gables, with plans already in place to expand service to Miami International Airport in the future. As Waymo explained in its announcement, “Starting today, Waymo is welcoming the first public riders into our fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Miami.”
Image: Waymo
Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, framed the launch as a natural fit for the city, saying, “Miami is a city defined by its energy, myriad of global cultures, and its forward-looking spirit, and Waymo is proud to add to that momentum. We’re excited to offer its residents and visitors a safe, reliable, and magical way to move around and look forward to earning their trust with every ride.”
Local officials also welcomed the arrival of driverless vehicles. Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez said, “Miami-Dade County welcomes Waymo as it begins driverless vehicle operations in our community. As a county that embraces innovation, we see the potential for emerging mobility technologies to expand transportation options and support a more connected future. We look forward to working collaboratively while ensuring these operations meet our high standards for safety, transparency, and accountability, and that they integrate thoughtfully into our transportation network for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.”
Waymo is emphasizing safety as a core part of its Miami rollout. The company said it has logged more than 127 million fully autonomous miles and achieved a tenfold reduction in serious injury crashes compared to human drivers in the areas where it operates. Waymo also noted that its vehicles are designed to handle Miami’s challenging conditions, from intense sun to sudden tropical downpours.
The Miami launch builds on Waymo’s recent expansion streak. The company began robotaxi testing in the city late last year and has since pushed into multiple other U.S. markets, while also surpassing 20 million paid autonomous rides globally. With Miami now live, Waymo continues to strengthen its position as the most widely deployed driverless ride-hailing service in the world.
