Waymo expands fully autonomous freeways rides in Austin – Spectrum News

Waymo expands fully autonomous freeways rides in Austin  Spectrum News

The expansion marks the first time Waymo has offered fully autonomous freeway trips to riders in Texas. DALLAS — Waymo is expanding its fully autonomous ride-hailing service to Austin freeways, allowing riders to take some driverless trips on major highways across the company’s service area. The expansion marks the first time Waymo has offered fully autonomous freeway trips to riders in Texas. The company said Thursday that riders can access the service through the Uber app, with trips available on freeways including MoPac Expressway, Interstate 35, U.S. 183 and U.S. 290. Waymo said the rollout follows months of testing with specialists in Austin and freeway rides for company employees. The company said it has driven over 1 million fully autonomous freeway miles with riders in cities including Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami.

The expansion is being rolled out gradually. Waymo said riders may initially encounter freeway trips only on select rides, with the company planning to extend the capability to more riders. Waymo began offering rides in Austin through Uber in March 2025, initially limiting the autonomous service to surface streets. The company has also expanded operations this year into other Texas metropolitan areas, including Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. The increasing presence of Waymo vehicles on Texas roads has drawn mixed reactions from some residents, including concerns