Waymo Launches Corporate Robotaxi Service for Employers, Universities, and Event Organizers

Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company owned by Alphabet, has officially launched "Waymo for Business," a new service designed to provide autonomous ride-hailing solutions for organizations. The service is now available to employers, universities, and event organizers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, aiming to streamline their transportation needs. This strategic move expands Waymo's reach beyond individual consumers into the business-to-business sector.

The new offering allows organizations to set up corporate accounts, manage employee transportation, create customized promo codes for events, and track ride activity and budgets through a dedicated admin portal. "After conducting successful pilots with a variety of organizations, we're ready to partner with more employers, universities, and event organizers to help streamline their transportation needs," Waymo stated in its announcement. The company emphasizes its fully electric fleet, which supports corporate sustainability goals, and its commitment to safety.

Waymo for Business rides will maintain the same pricing as the standard consumer service, with companies having the option to subsidize their employees' trips. Early adopters, such as online used-car seller Carvana, have already utilized the service, with a representative calling Waymo "a natural fit for business travel." This initiative mirrors the traditional ride-hailing industry's approach to corporate travel, now adapted for autonomous vehicles.

The launch comes as Waymo continues to expand its commercial operations and navigate a competitive landscape that includes other robotaxi services and traditional ride-hailing giants. Waymo has been actively growing its presence, with recent approvals to expand in the San Francisco Bay Area and plans to launch in new cities like Nashville in partnership with Lyft. The company estimates that nearly one in six local riders in its operational cities already rely on Waymo for commuting, highlighting the potential for this new business offering.