Electronics and Semiconductors

Waymo begins robotaxi service from Phoenix airport

04 November 2022
Waymo’s Jaguar I-PACE SUVs will be taking passengers from the Phoenix area to the airport for the first time. Source: Waymo

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle arm of Alphabet, has started what it claims is the first paid robotaxi service to and from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Phoenix, the fifth largest city in the U.S. by population, is one of the fastest growing cities and the Phoenix Sky Harbor is one of the 10 busiest airports in the world.

Waymo said passengers can now get ride hailing services 24 hours a day in an all-electric Jaguar I-PACE equipped with fifth generation Waymo driver. The server will run between downtown Phoenix and the airport. The trips will initially come with a safety driver but that should be removed over the weeks to come.

Waymo said the trips to the airport will provide the company with unique elements for testing its autonomous vehicles including:

  • Training our perception capabilities
  • Serving pedestrians carrying different types of luggage
  • Different types of driving behaviors of other road users that are unique to the airport.

“Phoenix leads the nation in demonstrating autonomous vehicle technology, science and safety,” said Kate Gallego, mayor of Phoenix. “The future of travel is here, and Waymo One service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport marks our city’s commitment to innovation and technological advancements that will impact the world.”

To contact the author of this article, email PBrown@globalspec.com


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