Autonomous Ride-Hailing Gains Momentum Across US Cities
The US autonomous ride-hailing industry is experiencing significant growth, with Waymo leading the charge. After years of development and testing, several companies are now moving towards commercialization in major cities, driven by technological advancements and the potential for cost savings by eliminating human drivers.
Waymo has been rapidly expanding its services across the country. In recent months, the company has extended its reach to with the launch of driverless rides in Miami, Florida, adding to its existing operations in in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta. Approximately 10,000 Miami residents have already signed up to participate, with Waymo planning a phased rollout to accommodate more riders as its fleet expands.
The expansion isn’t limited to direct consumer services. Waymo is also forging partnerships to broaden its reach. The company is collaborating with Uber in Atlanta and Austin, integrating its autonomous technology into the ride-hailing platform. Waymo is piloting an autonomous delivery program with DoorDash in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco.
By mid- 2025, Waymo had already logged over 20 million paid driverless rides and was averaging nearly half a million weekly trips across its operational cities. The addition of Miami is expected to further accelerate this growth, potentially marking Waymo’s most aggressive expansion year yet.
Waymo isn’t the only player in the emerging robotaxi market. Amazon’s Zoox has begun offering free driverless rides to the public around the Las Vegas Strip and in select San Francisco neighborhoods. Tesla has also launched a Robotaxi-branded service in Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area, although these vehicles initially operated with human drivers or safety supervisors onboard as of mid-.
The surge in autonomous ride-hailing is reshaping the future of mobility. While challenges remain before fully autonomous transportation becomes commonplace, these developments represent crucial steps towards realizing the potential of this technology. The industry is attracting attention from traditional automotive players and tech companies alike, signaling a broader shift in how people and goods will be transported in the years to come.
The growth of Waymo, Zoox, and Tesla in 2025 has been described as a “robotaxi boom,” with Waymo currently operating, planning to launch a service, or testing its vehicles in 26 markets both within the US and internationally. This expansion is fueled by technological advancements and the economic benefits of removing the cost of human drivers.
Despite the progress, widespread adoption of autonomous ride-hailing still faces hurdles. A survey conducted in early 2025 revealed that 66% of drivers in the US remain hesitant about the technology, highlighting the need for continued efforts to build public trust and address safety concerns.
