Select Houston-area residents who have the Waymo app downloaded are now able to take the first public rides in the fully autonomous vehicles, the company announced via news release Feb. 24.
What you need to know
Waymo will continue to invite new riders on a rolling basis to use the service as it kicks off service in Houston. Its service area in the city includes The Heights, downtown Houston and Montrose. Service will open to everyone later this year, according to the release.
The company previously announced its expansion to Houston last fall, Community Impact previously reported. Alongside Houston, Waymo also began services in Dallas, San Antonio and Orlando, Florida.
What they’re saying
“Each community has its own unique charm and transportation needs, and we’re eager to provide a safe, reliable, and magical way for locals and visitors to travel,” Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, said via news release.“I’m thrilled that we are now launching limited access public rides here in Houston,” Houston City Council member Sallie Alcorn said via news release. “It will give both Houstonians and visitors another safe, high-tech way to get around during exciting upcoming events like the World Baseball Classic and the World Cup.”To learn more, visit https://waymo.com.