Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to Minneapolis, Tampa, New Orleans in 2026

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Waymo announced on Thursday that it will begin testing its robotaxi vehicles with human drivers in Minneapolis, Tampa, and New Orleans. The testing is set to start in the coming days, with hopes of launching a fully driverless service in these cities next year.

This move is part of Waymo’s larger strategy to expand its robotaxi operations to 15 cities by 2026. Currently, the company operates its services in five cities: Austin, San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, with more than 250,000 paid rides per week. Since its launch in 2020, Waymo has provided over 10 million paid rides.

Waymo’s spokesperson, Ethan Teicher, emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “2026 is very much on the table, but we’ll be led by our safety framework.” The announcement follows Waymo’s plans to start driverless operations in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Miami, and Orlando in the coming weeks.

Waymo’s strategy includes testing in challenging weather conditions, especially as they prepare for operations in regions known for harsh winter climates. Teicher noted, “We currently operate at freezing temperatures, including with frost and hail, and we’re validating our system to navigate harsher weather conditions.” The company will begin with small fleets to assess performance before scaling up.

In a competitive landscape, Waymo must balance rapid expansion with technological safety. While the company moves forward, its competitor Zoox recently began offering free driverless rides to select users in San Francisco. Unlike Waymo, which operates paid rides, Zoox aims to eliminate its waitlist entirely by 2026.

Waymo’s expansion highlights a significant shift in the autonomous vehicle market, with the potential for robotaxis to reach a $1.3 trillion valuation by 2030. First-mover advantage in diverse urban environments will be crucial to successful market positioning.

The ambitious rollout will require thorough mapping, local approvals, and extensive testing in each new city, particularly those with varied weather. With 2026 on the horizon, autonomous vehicle enthusiasts and stakeholders will watch closely to see if Waymo can meet its goals.