Waymo, Google's self-driving car company, is close to a major product launch in Phoenix, Arizona. We could be months away from a new era of transportation history.
Google's self-driving car unit, Waymo, is planning to launch a fully self-driving car service in Phoenix within months.
Amir Efrati first reported the initial news of this ambitious target for what could become the first fully self-driving car service, though that article is behind a paywall. Timothy B. Lee followed up on the news with an article for Ars Technica.
"Obviously, there's no guarantee that Waymo will hit this ambitious target [of this fall]," writes Lee. "But it's a sign that Waymo believes its technology is very close to being ready for commercial use."
According to the original report, the Waymo service is likely to launch in Chandler, Arizona, where Waymo has already done extensive testing. "Waymo chose the Phoenix area for its favorable weather, its wide, well-maintained streets, and the relative lack of pedestrians." The state also takes a permissive legal approach to self-driving cars, according to Lee.
The article includes more information about the remaining "kinks" that need to be ironed out before Waymo and other self-driving car companies can hit the big time.
Read the full story: Fully driverless cars could be months away
Uber and Waymo part ways in Phoenix
The companies ended a three-year pilot program, with Waymo saying it plans to keep its Phoenix robotaxi fleet available through its own app.
What Happens When a Robotaxi Gets Pulled Over?
In Phoenix, a police officer who pulled over a Waymo driving in the wrong lane was “unable to issue citation to computer.”
Waymo to Begin Autonomous Rides on Phoenix Freeways
The company’s autonomous cars will start testing freeway rides with employees as passengers.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity
Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.
SpaceXAI may be fined $6 million for data center lacking water permits
A Mississippi agency also responds after a federal judge criticized the state’s Clean Air Act enforcement.
Housing is the top priority of Seattle’s sole new councilmember
Jenks campaigned on building 1,000 new units of affordable housing.
New tax cuts may slash $1.5 billion in funding for Miami transit, public parks
Amendment 3 will save Miami-Dade homeowners $2,700 in 2028.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority