Waymo's vehicles are now fully driverless in Nashville
Source: Engadget
Overview
Waymo is moving closer to offering robotaxi rides to the public in Nashville, Tennessee. The company announced plans to bring its robotaxis to Nashville in September 2025, with the intention of opening rides to the public later this year. Waymo has been testing its technology in Nashville, though it has not yet specified when bookings will be accepted.
Testing Process and Safety Recalls
Waymo conducts extensive testing in each new city before launching a robotaxi service:
- Mapping Phase – Safety drivers map the area.
- Software Updates – Data from the mapping phase is used to refine Waymo’s autonomous‑driving software, accounting for local driving rules and conditions.
Despite rigorous testing, Waymo has issued software recalls several times after its vehicles encountered real‑world hazards. Past issues included collisions with gates, chains, telephone poles, and stationary vehicles. The most recent recall was triggered when robotaxis failed to stop for school buses.
Current Availability
Waymo’s robotaxi service is already open to the public in:
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Miami
- Phoenix
It is also available in Atlanta and Austin through a partnership with Uber.
Planned Expansions
Waymo is conducting or planning driverless trials in several additional locations, including:
- Boston, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, Washington, and London (UK)
- Nashville (Tennessee) – upcoming trial slated for September 2025
The company is active in other markets such as New York, New Orleans, Seattle, and Tokyo (Japan), though it is not yet serving riders there.