Waymo starts robotaxi services at San Antonio International Airport

Waymo has officially launched its robotaxi service at San Antonio International Airport, marking the company's fourth airport rollout. Passengers can now enjoy curbside drop-offs at the terminals and pick-ups from designated ride-share zones. This expansion introduces the service to Texas for the first time, complementing Waymo's existing operations in major cities such as San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Having established itself in Phoenix with airport services at Sky Harbor International, Waymo has recently extended its reach to the San Francisco and San Jose Mineta International airports. Although the San Antonio robotaxi service was initiated back in February, it has yet to be fully accessible to the public. Currently, Waymo is operating an invitation-only system, a strategy also implemented in its Dallas, Houston, and Orlando services. As of now, the waitlist for the San Antonio service has grown to tens of thousands, with plans to open up to all riders in the near future. This cautious, phased approach reflects Waymo's strategy amid rapid growth, as the company aims to expand to approximately 20 new cities this year, including international locations like Tokyo and London. Presently, Waymo's robotaxi services are active in 10 cities, averaging over 500,000 paid rides weekly—an increase that has doubled since last year. Waymo is also set to introduce a new vehicle, the Zeekr-built Ojai van, into its fleet later this year. The company asserts that its robotaxis have demonstrated a safety record superior to that of human drivers, contributing to a reduction in serious accidents. However, the expansion has not been without challenges. Investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently underway due to incidents involving the robotaxis illegally passing school buses. Additionally, a recent low-speed incident in Santa Monica, where a robotaxi collided with a child resulting in minor injuries, has further drawn scrutiny. Waymo reported that the vehicle reduced its speed significantly before the collision occurred. To support their operations, Waymo employs a team of remote assistance staff in the U.S. and the Philippines to help navigate complex situations, along with roadside assistance personnel for rare instances of vehicle immobilization.