The future of rideshare transportation is heading to Central Florida. Waymo announced Thursday that its self-driving robo-taxis will begin operating on Orlando roads in the coming weeks, marking a major expansion of the company’s autonomous vehicle network.Waymo revealed five new cities where it plans to launch full driverless service: Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Orlando.Reactions among Orlando residents are mixed.“I think it’s a good thing to explore more and how it is,” said John George, who previously tried Waymo’s service in Phoenix. “It’s pretty convenient and I also find it safe.”Others aren’t convinced the technology is ready — especially in Florida’s fast-moving traffic.“I’m not with the self-driving,” said bus rider Linda Travis. “I wouldn’t trust it with a 10-foot pole … nobody’s really driving.”Waymo has been testing its vehicles in Orlando since the spring with a safety operator behind the wheel. A company representative said the rollout will begin with a small fleet covering a significant portion of the metro area, with plans to expand over time.Orange County Commissioner Mike Scott said Waymo has spent months mapping the region to prepare for the launch.“Nights, weekends at times to prepare for the launch,” Scott said. “We’re excited for the transportation but also potential job opportunities for people who are looking.”Scott said county leaders plan to meet with Waymo next week as the company ramps up operations.“Any time with new technology, there’s hesitation and people who are scared,” he said. “So understanding what safeguards they have to make sure people are safe.”A Waymo representative said the company is confident its robo-taxis can operate safely in Orlando, citing its experience in other markets where it already runs autonomous services or has conducted testing.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —
The future of rideshare transportation is heading to Central Florida.
Waymo announced Thursday that its self-driving robo-taxis will begin operating on Orlando roads in the coming weeks, marking a major expansion of the company’s autonomous vehicle network.
Waymo revealed five new cities where it plans to launch full driverless service: Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Orlando.
Reactions among Orlando residents are mixed.
“I think it’s a good thing to explore more and how it is,” said John George, who previously tried Waymo’s service in Phoenix. “It’s pretty convenient and I also find it safe.”
Others aren’t convinced the technology is ready — especially in Florida’s fast-moving traffic.
“I’m not with the self-driving,” said bus rider Linda Travis. “I wouldn’t trust it with a 10-foot pole … nobody’s really driving.”
Waymo has been testing its vehicles in Orlando since the spring with a safety operator behind the wheel. A company representative said the rollout will begin with a small fleet covering a significant portion of the metro area, with plans to expand over time.
Orange County Commissioner Mike Scott said Waymo has spent months mapping the region to prepare for the launch.
“Nights, weekends at times to prepare for the launch,” Scott said. “We’re excited for the transportation but also potential job opportunities for people who are looking.”
Scott said county leaders plan to meet with Waymo next week as the company ramps up operations.
“Any time with new technology, there’s hesitation and people who are scared,” he said. “So understanding what safeguards they have to make sure people are safe.”
A Waymo representative said the company is confident its robo-taxis can operate safely in Orlando, citing its experience in other markets where it already runs autonomous services or has conducted testing.