Waymo Adds 80 Square Miles Of The Bay Area To Its Coverage Area

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The world's first automated taxi company, Waymo, just expanded rideshare service across the Bay Area, the company announced.

Beginning Tuesday, the robotaxis will be able to travel more than 130 miles in the Bay Area. Riders will be able to traverse the San Francisco Peninsula, Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Mountain View.

The expansion also covers South San Francisco, Millbrae, San Bruno and Burlingame beginning Tuesday, June 17, the company announced on social media.

In all, the robotaxis will now operate across 250 square miles of the Bay Area and Los Angeles.

“Waymo offers safe, reliable, and accessible transportation that empowers our seniors to live more independently, access vital services, and stay socially connected—particularly those with mobility challenges or limited family support," said Anni Chung, President & CEO. "Waymo’s variety of language options makes it easier for our Chinese-speaking seniors to navigate their communities with confidence and this expansion represents an innovative and meaningful step toward improving the quality of life for older adults across the Bay Area.”

Across the state, Waymo One will also expand its coverage area to the neighborhoods of Playa del Rey, Ladera Heights, Echo Park, Silverlake and the entire stretch of Sunset Boulevard on Wednesday, June 18, the comany announced on social media. The service will now cover from Santa Monica to downtown and from West Hollywood to Inglewood, according to Alphabet, Google's parent company. Until this week, the service, Waymo One, only covered 89 square miles in Los Angeles.

The news comes just days after several vehicles in the company's fleet were damaged and set on fire during anti-ICE protests in downtown LA.

California regulators first allowed the company to send its driverless cars out on the road in San Francisco in 2023. Waymo is now competing with ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft in the Golden State.

The company says Waymo riders previously surveyed in LA reported that 98% were satisfied with the service and 96% found it useful.

“When I rode alone and with some of our single mother families, we were amazed by the driverless technology and the sense of comfort it provided. Access to Waymo could be a game-changer for women we serve, offering a nonjudgmental, reliable transportation option that prioritizes safety,” said Tisha Janigan, founder of She is Hope, in a previous Waymo blog post.

Next, Waymo looks to expand to Atlanta, Miami and Washington D.C.