In a groundbreaking move, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Waymo, has announced a strategic partnership with Via Transportation, a leading public transit software provider. The collaboration will integrate Waymo’s self-driving vehicles into Via’s platform, starting with Chandler, Arizona’s on-demand public transit service, Chandler Flex, this fall. This initiative marks a significant step in making autonomous vehicles (AVs) accessible to millions of public transit users globally. Via’s technology powers public transportation systems in over 30 countries, and this partnership aims to enhance mobility, reduce operational costs, and improve safety outcomes. Daniel Ramot, Via’s co-founder and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to revolutionize public transit. Waymo has been expanding its footprint in the U.S., recently announcing plans to launch autonomous cab services in Nashville, Tennessee, in partnership with Lyft. Since its debut in Phoenix in 2020, Waymo has extended its paid driverless services to major cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta. Meanwhile, Tesla has also entered the robotaxi arena, launching a limited service in Austin in June, with plans to expand to the San Francisco Bay Area. This partnership underscores the accelerating race in the autonomous vehicle sector, with companies vying to integrate AVs into mainstream transportation systems.
Waymo and Via to offer robotaxis for public transit, starting with Arizona
