Waymo has opened its fully autonomous ride hailing service to the public in Miami. The initial 60-square-mile area covers neighborhoods including the Design District, Wynwood, Brickell and Coral Gables, with plans to expand to Miami International Airport. New riders will be invited on a rolling basis, following nearly 10,000 initial sign-ups.
“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,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo. “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.”
Miami-Dade County Commission chairman Anthony Rodriguez added, “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 expects its autonomous rides in Miami to contribute to safer streets. With over 127 million fully autonomous miles driven, the company reports a ten-fold reduction in serious injury crashes compared with human drivers in its operating areas. Its technology is designed to handle Miami’s varied conditions, from bright sun to sudden tropical downpours, ensuring reliable service.
“Roadway safety in Miami is quite simply one of the most important issues today,” commented Rachel Lamar, area executive director of MADD. “Autonomous vehicles hold the exciting promise of preventing deaths and injuries caused by behavioral factors, including impaired driving, if deployed responsibly and safely and in collaboration with the right community and city stakeholders. MADD South Florida welcomes Waymo to Miami as another tool in the toolbox to help end impaired driving.”
“As a blind CEO who travels with a guide dog, I know that accessible, bias-free transportation is the difference between dependence and opportunity,” added Virginia Jacko, CEO of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind. “Waymo’s technology transforms accessibility into autonomy, giving our community the freedom to travel independently and confidently.”
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