San Antonio, Texas, December 2, 2025
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., is set to begin its driverless ride-hailing service in San Antonio, Texas, within weeks. Following successful expansions in other major cities, the official public launch of its service is planned for early 2026. Initially, employee-only operations will start soon to ensure vehicle safety and reliability, with broader public access expected next year. Waymo’s focus remains on safety, with its vehicles showing significantly fewer serious injury collisions than human drivers.
San Antonio, Texas
Waymo to Launch Self-Driving Ride Service in San Antonio Within Weeks
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has announced plans to commence fully autonomous operations in San Antonio, Texas, in the coming weeks. This development follows the company’s recent expansion into other major cities, including Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Orlando. The official public launch of Waymo’s driverless ride-hailing service in San Antonio is scheduled for early 2026.
Operational Details and Timeline
Initially, Waymo will conduct employee-only operations to ensure the safety and reliability of its self-driving vehicles in San Antonio. These operations will serve as a precursor to the broader public rollout planned for next year. The company has been actively testing its autonomous vehicles in the city since May 2025, gathering data and refining its technology to adapt to local driving conditions.
Expansion Strategy and Safety Measures
Waymo’s expansion into San Antonio is part of a broader strategy to introduce autonomous ride-hailing services across multiple U.S. cities. The company emphasizes a commitment to safety, reporting that its vehicles are involved in 11 times fewer serious injury collisions compared to human drivers. This safety record is attributed to the advanced capabilities of the Waymo Driver, which utilizes a generalizable AI system refined through extensive data collection and simulation testing.
Background on Waymo’s Autonomous Services
Waymo has been at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology, operating the world’s first driverless ride-hailing service. The company has expanded its services to various cities, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. In Austin, Texas, Waymo partnered with Uber to offer autonomous rides through the Uber app, marking a significant step in integrating self-driving technology into existing transportation networks.
Future Outlook
As Waymo continues to refine its autonomous driving technology and expand its service areas, the company remains focused on providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation options. The upcoming launch in San Antonio represents a significant milestone in the adoption of self-driving vehicles in urban environments, with potential implications for the future of urban mobility and transportation infrastructure.
FAQ
What is Waymo?
Waymo is the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., specializing in self-driving technology and ride-hailing services.
When will Waymo’s driverless ride-hailing service launch in San Antonio?
The public launch is scheduled for early 2026, with employee-only operations commencing in the coming weeks.
Which other cities is Waymo expanding into?
Waymo is also expanding its services to Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Orlando.
How long has Waymo been testing autonomous vehicles in San Antonio?
Waymo has been testing its autonomous vehicles in San Antonio since May 2025.
What is Waymo’s safety record?
Waymo reports that its vehicles are involved in 11 times fewer serious injury collisions compared to human drivers.
Key Features of Waymo’s Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fully Autonomous Vehicles | Self-driving cars operating without human drivers. |
| Safety Record | Vehicles involved in 11 times fewer serious injury collisions than human drivers. |
| Service Areas | Expanding to cities including San Antonio, Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Orlando. |
| Public Launch Date | Scheduled for early 2026 in San Antonio. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
