Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company, announced on July 8 that its next phase of testing in San Diego will involve fully driverless vehicles, with no human behind the wheel, marking a significant step toward launching its ride-hailing service in the city.
The company’s light-blue all-electric Zeekr RT minivans have been assessing San Diego roads for months with a human safety driver in the front seat. The new phase, set to begin within weeks, will see the vehicles operate in fully autonomous mode, though rides will initially be limited to Waymo employees only. The company expects to open service to the general public by the end of 2026.
Waymo is currently driving and collecting data in neighborhoods including Pacific Beach, Normal Heights, La Playa in Point Loma, South Crest, and other areas within city limits, though not as far north as La Jolla. The minivans have become an increasingly common sight in areas like Bankers Hill and Hillcrest in recent months.
The expansion to San Diego is part of a broader national rollout. Waymo announced that Las Vegas, Denver, and Tampa will also soon transition to fully autonomous mode. The company is already fully operational in 11 cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Dallas, with a network spanning more than 1,800 square miles.
When fully operational, San Diego customers will be able to hail a Waymo robo-taxi 24/7 through a mobile app. Mayor Todd Gloria has voiced support, saying the technology could make transportation more accessible, more sustainable, and more connected for everyone in the community.
However, the rollout faces opposition. In January, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System passed a resolution opposing Waymo’s expansion, calling for more local control over autonomous vehicle deployment. City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, who also chairs the Taxi Advisory Committee, raised concerns about job losses. He said autonomous vehicles do not just change how people move but literally replace people, during an MTS board meeting.
Other critics have cited safety concerns, including incidents of robotaxis blocking first responders. Waymo says it has scheduled trainings with the San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and San Diego Fire-Rescue. The company also points to data showing Waymo vehicles were involved in 94% fewer crashes causing serious or fatal injury compared to human drivers in the same areas.
The company is working with local organizations including the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation, the San Diego Center for the Blind, and Circulate San Diego to build public awareness. Waymo vehicles were involved in a traffic jam incident in San Francisco on Independence Day, when at least a dozen cars stalled after a fireworks display, though the company attributed it to extreme traffic congestion.
