For the first time anywhere in the world, travelers will be able to take a Waymo autonomous vehicle as a means of transportation to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in the USA.
Beginning last week on a route between downtown Phoenix and the airport, Trusted Tester participants have been taking autonomous rides in Waymo’s all-electric Jaguar I-PACE equipped with the fifth generation Waymo Driver. The vehicles run on a 24/7 schedule, with pickups and drop-offs happening at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station.
At present, trips are conducted with an autonomous specialist in the driver’s seat, but in the future this specialist will be removed from the Waymo vehicle when autonomous ride hailing is opened to the public.
The newly launched pilot service comes two years after Waymo opened its fully autonomous commercial ride-hail service, Waymo One, to the public in the East Valley of Phoenix.
“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 the Waymo One service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport marks our city’s commitment to innovation and technological advancements that will impact the world.”
