Autonomous vehicle pioneer Waymo has officially opened its ride-hailing service, Waymo One, to all residents and visitors in San Francisco. Starting today, anyone can download the Waymo app to hail a ride, regardless of the city’s famously variable weather, including the well-known Karl the Fog.
Having operated in the city for years, Waymo has been methodically expanding its services. The company now facilitates tens of thousands of weekly trips, offering a safe, sustainable, and reliable transportation option for the local community and tourists alike.
Strengthening Community Ties
Waymo is becoming integral to San Francisco’s urban fabric. According to the company, 30% of its rides are directed to local businesses, boosting foot traffic to restaurants, music venues, coffee shops, and more. A recent survey highlighted that over half of Waymo’s users have utilized the service for medical appointments, while 36% connect to other transit systems such as BART or Muni. The service is even popular for wedding departures, adding a touch of modernity to traditional ceremonies.
“I’m thankful to be living in a city that embraces technology when it can improve our lives with convenient and safe modes of transit,” said Michelle Cusano, Executive Director at The Richmond Neighborhood Center.
Committing to Sustainability
In line with San Francisco’s environmental goals, Waymo’s fleet is entirely electric and powered by 100% renewable energy from the City’s CleanPowerSF program. Since its commercial launch in August 2023, Waymo has reduced carbon emissions by an estimated 570,000 kg. Survey results indicate that 53% of users feel that using Waymo has helped them adopt more environmentally friendly travel habits.
Enhancing Safety and Inclusivity
Safety remains a top priority for Waymo. More than half of its riders in San Francisco report an increased sense of personal safety when using the service. Charles Renfroe, Development Manager at Openhouse SF, praised the service for providing a harassment-free travel experience for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.
Waymo also caters to tourists, with many enjoying rides to landmarks like the Presidio and the Ferry Building. The app supports Spanish and Chinese languages, ensuring accessibility for a diverse user base.
Milestones and Impact
Since Waymo’s waitlist opened, nearly 300,000 people have signed up for the service. With over 20 million rider-only miles and nearly 2 million paid trips, Waymo has demonstrated a strong commitment to safety. Data shows that Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are involved in fewer collisions and insurance claims compared to human-driven vehicles.
Addressing Road Safety
Waymo’s technology aims to enhance road safety, a pressing issue in San Francisco where traffic accidents remain a serious concern. The Waymo Driver is designed to avoid high-severity collisions more effectively than human drivers. Patricia Rillera, Executive Director of MADD California, highlighted the potential of autonomous vehicles to reduce accidents caused by impaired driving.
Community Engagement and Innovation
Waymo collaborates closely with city officials, first responders, and road safety advocates to ensure its service benefits the community. The company is committed to providing safe, eco-friendly transportation options that positively impact local mobility.
Waymo extends its gratitude to its riders, community partners, and the residents of San Francisco for their support. Together, they are helping to keep the city at the forefront of technological innovation, offering a safe, clean, and enjoyable transportation experience for all.
