Waymo Initiates Fully Autonomous Operations in Houston, Its Eighth City, Public Service Expected Early 2026

Houston, Texas – Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous driving technology company, has commenced fully autonomous operations in Houston, marking the city as its eighth operational hub. The development, initially announced by "reed" on social media, indicates that customer services are slated to begin in early 2026. This move signifies a significant expansion for Waymo, which has been rapidly scaling its driverless technology across the United States.

The Houston launch is part of a broader strategic expansion by Waymo into several new cities, including Dallas, San Antonio, Miami, and Orlando. While fully autonomous operations for employees began in Houston and Dallas in early December 2025, the public will gain access to Waymo's robotaxi service in these locations next year. This rapid deployment showcases Waymo's ability to transition from initial testing to driverless operations within months.

Waymo's accelerated expansion strategy is largely attributed to its "generalizable Waymo Driver" technology. This advanced AI system is designed to adapt quickly to new urban environments by validating its existing knowledge against local driving characteristics, rather than relearning core driving concepts. This approach has allowed the company to significantly reduce the time required to establish fully autonomous services in new markets.

The company's swift entry into new cities, particularly in Texas, challenges previous criticisms regarding the scalability of its high-definition mapping and sensor-based system. Waymo has been operating commercial robotaxi services for years in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Austin. The addition of Houston further solidifies its position in the autonomous vehicle industry.

Waymo's expansion is set to introduce new transportation options for Houston residents and visitors, with the company emphasizing its commitment to safety and community engagement. The public launch in early 2026 will allow users to experience driverless rides, contributing to the evolving landscape of urban mobility.