Waymo's self-driving vehicles debut in Denver
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A Waymo autonomous electric vehicle. Photo: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Waymo is launching its robotaxis in Denver this week, the autonomous vehicle company announced Tuesday.
Why it matters: Denver now joins the shortlist of testing grounds for the future of mobility. Self-driving cars, which once seemed like science fiction, are rolling out in more cities, reshaping how we move and offering a possible tool to curb traffic deaths — which remain stubbornly high in Denver.
Driving the news: Roughly a dozen Waymo electric vehicles — a mix of Jaguar I-PACE SUVs and Zeekr RTs — debut in the city starting Tuesday, spokesperson Sandy Karp told Axios Denver.
- For now, human drivers will sit behind the wheel.
- The company plans to gradually phase in fully autonomous rides after "testing Denver's unique driving environment," Karp said.
Yes, but: Don't expect to hail a ride immediately. The rollout starts in an "exploratory phase" focused on mapping streets and engaging with local officials before rides will be offered to the public.
What they're saying: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston are welcoming the new tech.
- "Our state is driven by innovation, and the arrival of Waymo's autonomous vehicle technology in Denver is a step forward," Polis said in a statement.
- "Waymo's climate-friendly technology will make our streets safer and cleaner, and I can't wait for my first ride," Johnston added.
Threat level: The company's robotaxis have faced criticism in other cities for numerous issues, including stalling, speeding and behaving erratically.
- Labor groups warn they could displace drivers, while safety advocates question whether the tech is truly ready for primetime.
The big picture: Waymo already logs hundreds of thousands of driverless trips weekly, including in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin and Atlanta.
What to watch: Waymo's success could hinge on rider safety.
- Compared to human drivers over nearly 57 million miles, Waymo has recorded 85% fewer serious injury collisions than human drivers, according to the company's safety report.