New Waymo program allows Nashville teens to hail their own robotaxis

How it works: Once parents link their kids ages 13-17 to their Waymo account, the teens can independently hail a ride within the 50-square-mile Nashville service area.

• Waymo includes rider support agents who can assist teens and contact parents if needed, and young riders can provide real-time status updates on their trips with parents.

Flashback: Waymo launched its first teen rider market last year in Phoenix.

• The company partnered with the Boys & Girls Club to test how it could help teens who were participating in summer internships.
• Waymo said that participating Phoenix-area teens reported a significant drop in stress around getting to work.

What they're saying: "I'm excited for the launch of Waymo teen accounts because it will provide another option for safe transportation in Nashville," Metro Councilmember Jacob Kupin said in a statement provided by Waymo.

• "I look forward to utilizing this new option to keep our kids safe, give them a sense of independence, and help manage the family calendar."