Waymo Opens Driverless Robotaxi Service to Everyone in Dallas
Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company Waymo has officially eliminated the waitlist for its robotaxi service in Dallas, making driverless rides accessible to all local residents and visitors.
What Happened
Waymo announced on Tuesday that anyone in Dallas can now download its mobile app and instantly book a ride. The company began offering public rides in Dallas in February using a waitlist system, during which about 150,000 riders used the app. Dropping the waitlist follows the same operational expansion model Waymo implemented in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Waymo has operated in Dallas since last year, when it started testing autonomous vehicles on public streets and announced plans to launch service in 2026. Waymo partnered with Avis Budget Group to manage depot operations, charging, and maintenance for its fleet of all-electric autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. While general rides across Dallas are now available, trips to Dallas Love Field Airport remain excluded while testing continues at the facility.
The expansion follows earlier operational challenges. In May, Waymo temporarily halted service in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Atlanta due to issues handling heavy rain and flooded roads. While operations have resumed in those markets, Waymo noted that service may be modified or temporarily paused in the future during severe weather or flood warnings. Passengers can check real-time service status through the app.
Key Highlights
- Immediate Ride Access: Anyone in Dallas can hail a Waymo robotaxi immediately via the app without waiting on a list.
- Fleet Management Partnership: Avis Budget Group handles vehicle charging, maintenance, and depot duties for Waymo’s all-electric Jaguar I-Pace fleet.
- High Initial Engagement: Approximately 150,000 riders registered or used the app during the waitlist phase starting in February.
- Weather Precautions: Service was paused in May due to heavy rain and flooding, and operations remain subject to temporary pauses during severe weather.
- Airport Exception: Trips to Dallas Love Field Airport are not yet available as self-driving testing continues at the location.
Why This Matters
Removing the waitlist in Dallas marks another step in Waymo’s effort to scale its autonomous transportation technology across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Moving from restricted testing to full public access reflects progress in establishing commercial self-driving operations in major metropolitan cities.
What to Watch Next
Waymo plans to expand its service to Dallas Love Field Airport soon once testing at the airport is completed. In addition, the company will monitor weather conditions in real time, updating ride availability inside the app whenever severe weather or flood warnings occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do riders in Dallas book a Waymo robotaxi?
Riders can download the Waymo mobile app and hail a vehicle immediately without entering a waitlist.
Can Waymo robotaxis take passengers to Dallas Love Field Airport?
Not currently. Waymo is testing its technology at Dallas Love Field Airport and plans to offer rides there soon.
Who maintains and charges the Waymo fleet in Dallas?
Avis Budget Group manages general depot operations, vehicle maintenance, and charging for Waymo’s all-electric Jaguar I-Pace fleet.
How does severe weather affect Waymo service in Dallas?
Waymo previously paused service due to heavy rain and flooding in May. Operations may be adjusted or temporarily halted during severe weather or flood warnings, with updates shown in the app.
Source: TechCrunch