Waymo halts freeway rides after robotaxis struggle in construction zones
Source: TechCrunch
Image Credit: Waymo
Waymo suspends freeway robotaxi service
Waymo has suspended robotaxi service on freeways in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Miami while it works to improve performance in construction zones. The company confirmed the pause to TechCrunch on Thursday and said it is integrating recent technical learnings into its software, with plans to resume the routes soon. Robotaxis continue to operate on surface streets in those cities.
Context and recent pauses
The decision follows earlier pauses in Atlanta and San Antonio, Texas, where Waymo addressed problems with flooding. A software recall announced last week was intended to help the fleet avoid flooded areas in San Antonio, where service had been halted for weeks. A robotaxi was also spotted stuck in Atlanta this week, prompting a suspension there as well.
Expansion goals and new vehicle testing
Waymo is pushing to expand to several new cities worldwide in 2026, aiming to deliver up to one million paid rides per week by the end of the year. The company is currently testing a new Zeekr‑built robotaxi, dubbed Ojai, which is expected to enter service in the coming months.
Importance of freeway travel
Waymo began offering highway rides in late 2025. Operating on higher‑speed roads has been crucial for expansion in large metro areas, improving connections to local airports and reducing ride times by bypassing surface streets. In the Bay Area, freeway travel has dramatically cut trip times across the peninsula, shrinking journeys that previously took 45 minutes to over an hour.
Recent incidents in construction zones
Waymo did not cite a specific incident for the latest suspension, but its robotaxis have been observed struggling with highway construction zones. On May 19, X user @Elliot_slade posted a video showing a Waymo ride “blasting through cones” and claimed the vehicle was “chased” by police:
- Video: https://x.com/Elliot_slade/status/2056608649972461876
- Claim: https://x.com/Elliot_slade/status/2056608003089125738
References
- Flooding issues in Atlanta and San Antonio: https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/21/waymo-pauses-atlanta-service-as-its-robotaxis-keep-driving-into-floods/
- Waymo’s initial freeway rollout (late 2025): https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/12/waymo-robotaxis-are-now-giving-rides-on-freeways-in-these-3-cities/?utm_source=mobility.techcrunch.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=mobility