Waymo launches in Sacramento with all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, starting manual drives as it prepares for fully autonomous rides in the city.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, is expanding its ride-hail service to California’s capital.
The company announced plans to begin operating in Sacramento this week, starting with manually driven vehicles as it prepares for fully autonomous rides in the future.
A fleet of all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles will be on the streets of Sacramento, allowing Waymo’s team to learn the city’s unique traffic patterns, from tree-lined residential streets to the busy downtown corridor.
This phased approach mirrors the company’s rollout in six other cities and is coordinated closely with city and state leaders to meet the needs of residents and visitors.
Mayor Kevin McCarty praised the move, highlighting its potential to improve safety.
“As Sacramento grows, so does our need for safe, reliable transportation,” he said. “We’re excited to work with Waymo to expand mobility options that are designed with safety at their core. By offering new ways to move around the Capital City, we’re providing our residents with more choice while staying focused on our goal of making every street safer for everyone.”
Waymo says its expansion supports Sacramento’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
Data from other cities where Waymo operates suggests that autonomous vehicles can enhance road safety.
Residents and visitors interested in trying the service can find more information here.
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