Waymo Robotaxis Hit 450,000 Weekly Rides, Doubling Growth in Six Months

Waymo's robotaxi rides have seen a significant surge in growth, with the company now providing 450,000 rides per week, nearly double the amount disclosed six months ago. According to a leaked letter from Tiger Global Management to its investors, obtained by CNBC, Waymo's aggressive rollout strategy is expected to continue, with plans to launch in 12 additional cities in 2026. The leaked letter, which was an appeal for investment into Tiger Global's next venture capital fund, revealed that Waymo's robotaxi rides have seen a substantial increase in just a few months. In the spring, Waymo disclosed that it was providing 250,000 robotaxi rides per week across its service areas, which include Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The company has been coy about its growth since then, only stating that it was providing many hundreds of thousands of weekly rides. Waymo's spokesperson declined to comment on the leaked letter, but the company has announced plans to expand its commercial robotaxi service to 12 additional cities in 2026, including Dallas, Denver, Houston, Nashville, and San Diego. This expansion is expected to further fuel the growth of Waymo's robotaxi rides, which are already seeing significant adoption. Industry experts say that Waymo's growth is a testament to the company's commitment to developing and deploying autonomous driving technology. "Waymo's aggressive rollout strategy is paying off, and it's clear that the company is making significant strides in the self-driving space," said an industry analyst. "Their ability to scale their robotaxi service quickly and efficiently is a major accomplishment, and it's likely to have a significant impact on the industry as a whole." Waymo's robotaxi service uses a combination of lidar, radar, and cameras to navigate roads and provide a safe and comfortable ride for passengers. The company's vehicles are equipped with a range of sensors and software that enable them to detect and respond to their surroundings in real-time. This technology has been shown to be highly effective in a variety of environments, including urban and suburban areas. As Waymo continues to expand its robotaxi service, it's likely to face increased competition from other companies in the self-driving space. However, the company's significant lead in terms of growth and adoption suggests that it may be well-positioned to maintain its market share. With plans to launch in 12 additional cities in 2026, Waymo is poised to become a major player in the autonomous driving industry.