Waymo is Having a Hard Time Stopping For School Buses

Source: Slashdot

Background

Waymo’s robotaxis have accumulated at least 24 safety violations involving school buses in Austin since the start of the 2025 school year. A voluntary software recall issued by the company in December, following a federal investigation, has not resolved the problem.

Incidents in Austin

• Austin Independent School District initially reported at least 19 incidents of Waymo vehicles failing to stop for buses during loading and unloading—an illegal action in all 50 states. This prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open a probe.
• Four additional violations have occurred since the software update, including a January 19 incident where a robotaxi drove past a bus while children waited to cross the street and the stop arm was extended.

Incident in Santa Monica

Waymo also acknowledged that one of its vehicles struck a child outside a Santa Monica elementary school on January 23, causing minor injuries.

Responses

• Austin ISD has asked Waymo to cease operations near schools during bus hours until the issue is resolved. Waymo has refused.
• Three federal investigations have been opened within three months.

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