Over the coming months, the next city to benefit from Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service will be the Los Angeles areas of Downtown, Miracle Mile, Koreatown, Santa Monica, Westwood and West Hollywood.
“When we think about our next cities, Los Angeles jumps out,” said Tekedra Mawakana, CEO, Waymo. “LA is a remarkable, vibrant place – and Waymo’s experience leaves us best positioned to tackle its driving complexity. We’re working closely with Angelenos to ensure we’re addressing the transportation needs and priorities of their communities as we bring the Waymo Driver to LA.”
Building on the company’s 12 years of experience, Waymo will conduct a 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing service in the well-known US city. With its AVs having already experienced millions of miles on freeways, highway ramps and narrow streets with distracted drivers during sunsets, Waymo is well positioned to serve the people of Los Angeles.
An estimated 13 million people live in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, and it is one of the largest ride-hailing service areas globally with an estimated market opportunity of US$2bn during 2022. Upon beginning operations within the city, Waymo will be supported by MADD California (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition and several local stakeholders.
“If we want to change the car culture in Los Angeles, we need to give Angelenos real alternatives to owning their own vehicle – including a world-class public transportation network, a range of active transportation options, and the convenience of mobility as a service across our city,” said Eric Garcetti, mayor of Los Angeles. “By adding Waymo to our growing list of ways to get around, we’re making good on our commitment to ease congestion on our streets, clean our air and give people a better way to get where they need to go.”
“The Second District of Los Angeles has a set of unique transportation challenges, with the highest rates of traffic safety issues, a lack of access to reliable and affordable transit, and limited or delayed access to emerging mobility solutions,” added Holly Mitchell, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and director of the LA Metro Board. “We need technology partners who are willing to sit down with our communities and explore how their products might help us solve our transportation challenges, rather than create more. I am excited that Waymo’s vision, leadership and sustained presence in Los Angeles will result in a lasting and fruitful partnership for the Second District.”