Waymo to test autonomous ride-hailing in Denver

Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company, announced plans to launch operations in Denver this fall as it begins laying the foundation for a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in the future.

The company currently provides hundreds of thousands of driverless trips each week in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Atlanta and Austin. Executives said Denver will be part of Waymo’s expansion strategy as the company looks to bring its safety and mobility technology to more cities in the United States and abroad.

Waymo will begin with an exploratory phase to study Denver’s unique driving environment and will not immediately serve riders. The company said it is coordinating with local officials and community partners to ensure a safe rollout.

Its Denver fleet will include all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles equipped with the fifth-generation Waymo Driver and Zeekr RT vehicles outfitted with the sixth-generation system. Waymo said the next-generation technology builds on years of testing in winter climates including Michigan, New York and the Sierra Nevada, and is designed to operate in harsher weather.

Waymo reports more than 100 million fully autonomous miles and 10 million rider trips to date, and says its safety record shows performance exceeding human drivers.

Gov. Jared Polis welcomed the company’s arrival. “I’m excited to help Coloradans get where we want to go faster, safer, with additional transportation options,” Polis said. “Our state is driven by innovation, and the arrival of Waymo’s autonomous vehicle technology in Denver is a step forward. We welcome Waymo to Colorado.”

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston echoed the sentiment. “Whether they need a ride to work, school, the farmer’s market or they’re heading out for a night on the town, Waymo is a great way for Denverites to get where they’re going safely,” Johnston said. “Waymo’s innovative, climate-friendly technology will not only make our streets safer but cleaner, and I can’t wait for my first ride.”