News Summary
Waymo plans to begin testing autonomous vehicles in San Antonio, Texas this summer. While rides won’t be available to the public, trained specialists will operate the vehicles in designated areas to understand local road conditions, paving the way for future transportation advancements in the city.
San Antonio Welcomes Self-Driving Car Testing This Summer
Waymo, the self-driving car company, is set to begin testing its autonomous vehicles in San Antonio, Texas this summer. This initiative marks a significant step towards the integration of autonomous vehicles into the local transportation ecosystem, although rides will not be available to the public during this testing phase.
The testing process will involve trained human autonomous specialists operating the vehicles as Waymo works to understand the unique characteristics of local roads. The designated testing area will primarily focus on locations within Loop 410, while also extending to some surrounding areas, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of driving conditions.
City Manager Erik Walsh expressed optimism about this venture, characterizing it as the first step towards the future of autonomous transportation in San Antonio. By collaborating with autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo, the city aims to facilitate safe operations within its transportation network.
Waymo’s Expansion Plans
This upcoming testing in San Antonio is part of Waymo’s broader expansion strategy, which includes plans to test in major cities such as Dallas, Houston, Nashville, and Las Vegas over the course of this year. The company has established a solid track record of operating self-driving cars in other metropolitan areas, including Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin.
Waymo’s initial deployment of self-driving technology dates back to 2018, when it launched its ride-hailing service in Phoenix. The company has since expanded its operations and officially began services in Austin by early March of this year. Additionally, in Austin, Waymo is collaborating with Uber to utilize electric and self-driving Jaguar I-PACE SUVs for ride-hailing services.
Regulatory Environment
It’s important to note that in Texas, the regulation of autonomous vehicles falls under the jurisdiction of the state government rather than local municipalities. This overarching regulatory framework provides a consistent set of guidelines for companies like Waymo as they navigate their testing and operational procedures.
While Waymo has not announced a specific timeline for when it might fully launch ride-hailing services in San Antonio, the testing phase is crucial for familiarizing the company with local traffic patterns and regulations. Continuous assessment and data collection will enable Waymo to adapt its technology and processes to better suit the needs of the San Antonio community.
Conclusion
As Waymo increases its footprint in Texas, San Antonio stands at the forefront of an evolving landscape in transportation. The city’s engagement with autonomous vehicle technology highlights the growing interest in innovative solutions to enhance mobility. With Waymo’s commitment to safety and its track record in other cities, the testing phase this summer will lay the groundwork for potential services in the future.
Recent developments in public health, including a new COVID-19 variant affecting case numbers worldwide, remind us of the ongoing challenges that accompany technological advancements and urban growth.
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Additional Resources
- KENS5: Waymo San Antonio Self-Driving Car Texas
- Wikipedia: Self-Driving Car
- Axios: Waymo San Antonio Cars Test Drive Downtown
- Google Search: Waymo San Antonio Cars Test
- Spectrum Local News: Waymo Testing in San Antonio & Houston
- Google Scholar: Autonomous Vehicles in Texas
- SA Current: Waymo Testing Cars in San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Waymo
- IoT World Today: Waymo Self-Driving Taxis
- Google News: Waymo San Antonio Testing
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.
