Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle division, is gearing up to bring its robotaxi service to Miami. The company has announced plans to launch its self-driving ride-hailing service in the Magic City by 2026. This expansion follows years of intermittent testing in Miami, which began in 2019, and more recent efforts to establish a permanent presence in the area.
In preparation for the launch, Waymo intends to reintroduce its fleet of autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles to Miami’s streets in 2025. These vehicles will undergo further testing and adjustments to familiarize them with the unique traffic patterns and environmental conditions of the city. By 2026, Waymo expects to make the vehicles available to the public through its Waymo One ride-hailing app, allowing riders to book rides in the fully autonomous electric cars.
To support its Miami operations, Waymo has partnered with Moove, a mobility-focused company that specializes in fleet management and financial services. Headquartered in Africa, with several offices in Nigeria, Moove is backed by Uber and was recently valued at $750 million. Moove will handle the maintenance of Waymo’s vehicles, including essential tasks such as cleaning, charging, and ensuring that the vehicles’ sensors remain properly calibrated and unobstructed.
Moove’s involvement in Waymo’s operations will begin in Phoenix, where it will take over fleet management responsibilities for the company’s existing robotaxi service. This marks a significant step in Waymo’s collaboration with external partners to scale its autonomous vehicle operations. By outsourcing fleet management, Waymo can focus on refining its technology and expanding its services to new markets.
Waymo’s robotaxi business has been steadily growing, with current operations in several major U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Phoenix. The company has also announced plans to introduce a robotaxi service in Atlanta through an exclusive partnership with Uber. Recently, Waymo achieved a significant milestone, reporting that it now provides over 150,000 paid trips per week across its service areas. This demonstrates growing consumer interest in autonomous ride-hailing as a viable transportation option.
Miami’s history with autonomous vehicle testing adds another layer of context to Waymo’s expansion plans. The city was previously a testing ground for Ford-backed ArgoAI, a self-driving vehicle company that ceased operations after Ford withdrew its funding. Waymo’s decision to establish a presence in Miami signals its confidence in the market and its commitment to filling the void left by ArgoAI’s departure.
The introduction of Waymo’s robotaxi service in Miami is expected to bring significant changes to the city’s transportation landscape. The company’s autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles combine cutting-edge technology with sustainability, offering an electric and driverless alternative to traditional ride-hailing services. Waymo’s rigorous testing and collaboration with partners like Moove aim to ensure that the service operates smoothly and reliably, providing a convenient and innovative option for Miami residents and visitors.
As Waymo prepares for its Miami launch, it continues to push the boundaries of what autonomous vehicles can achieve. By expanding to new markets and partnering with companies that specialize in fleet management, Waymo is positioning itself as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of autonomous transportation. The success of its Miami operations could serve as a model for future expansions, solidifying its role in shaping the future of mobility.
Looking ahead, Waymo’s presence in Miami will likely spur further innovation and competition in the autonomous vehicle sector. The company’s commitment to safety, technology, and sustainability reflects broader trends in urban transportation, where the focus is increasingly shifting toward efficient, environmentally friendly solutions. For Miami, Waymo’s arrival marks a significant step forward in the adoption of autonomous technologies, paving the way for a smarter, more connected transportation system.