Waymo Robotaxis Land in San Jose, Offering Airport Service

The future of transportation has officially expanded into San Jose, as autonomous robotaxi company Waymo announces new service areas and, notably, curbside pick-up at San Jose Mineta International Airport. This marks a significant milestone, making SJC the first commercial airport in California to offer driverless rides, providing a new mobility option for residents and visitors alike.

Waymo’s Expanded Reach Across the Bay Area

Waymo, owned by Google parent Alphabet, has launched its robotaxi service in Central San Jose, including popular destinations like Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair, as well as the Rosemary Gardens, Newhall, College Park, and Cory neighborhoods. The company has ambitious plans to further extend its operations into downtown and other parts of the city, perfectly timed with San Jose’s preparation to host major events like the Super Bowl and World Cup games in the coming years.

Linking the Entire San Francisco Peninsula

This expansion effectively connects Waymo’s autonomous vehicle service across the entire San Francisco Peninsula. This network now includes cities such as San Bruno, San Mateo, San Carlos, Redwood City, Palo Alto, and Mountain View, where Waymo is headquartered. In parallel with the San Jose launch, Waymo also confirmed its robotaxis are now utilizing freeways in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, broadening the scope of their driverless operations.

Airport Service: A New Era for Travelers

San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) is at the forefront of this new development, offering convenient, driverless curbside service. While Waymo already serves Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport, and is testing service for San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Newark Liberty International Airport, SJC is the first in California to offer this commercially. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan expressed excitement about the integration, stating, “When travelers land at SJC next year, they won’t just be arriving in California – they’ll be stepping into the future of mobility and entertainment.”

Current Waymo Airport Service Status

Navigating Regulatory Concerns and Public Oversight

Despite the technological advancements and local enthusiasm, the expansion of Waymo’s robotaxis, especially onto freeways, has raised concerns among some policymakers. State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, voiced apprehensions regarding the lack of clear oversight, accountability, and public transparency. Cortese emphasized that “policymakers, including the public, we are left in the dark about safety performance as these vehicles are often times being tested in real-time on our roads, alongside families and everyday commuters.”

Cortese had previously authored Senate Bill 915, which aimed to grant local jurisdictions more authority over autonomous vehicles but was withdrawn from the legislative session after amendments. He has pledged to reintroduce a similar measure in January, underscoring the ongoing debate between rapid innovation and the need for robust regulatory frameworks.

What’s Next for Waymo in San Jose and Beyond?

As Waymo plans to expand its service deeper into San Jose and continues testing at other major airports, the conversation around autonomous vehicle safety and regulation is set to intensify. Bay Area residents can expect to see more Waymo vehicles on local streets and potentially freeways, alongside continued legislative efforts to ensure public confidence and safety as this technology evolves.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waymo’s San Jose Expansion

• What new areas in San Jose does Waymo serve?
  Waymo’s initial service area includes Central San Jose, Santana Row, Westfield Valley Fair, Rosemary Gardens, Newhall, College Park, and Cory neighborhoods, with plans to expand further.
• Is Waymo offering airport service in San Jose?
  Yes, Waymo now offers commercial curbside service at San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), making it the first commercial airport in California with this offering.
• Can Waymo robotaxis drive on freeways in the Bay Area?
  Yes, Waymo robotaxis have begun using freeways in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as in Los Angeles and Phoenix.
• Are there any concerns about Waymo’s expansion?
  State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) has raised concerns about the lack of clear oversight, accountability, and public transparency regarding autonomous vehicles, particularly on freeways.

As Waymo further integrates into the Bay Area’s transportation landscape, staying informed about the service areas, safety developments, and ongoing regulatory discussions will be key for residents.

Waymo Robotaxis Land in San Jose Offering Airport Service