Waymo Los Angeles: What to Know

Waymo, Alphabet’s fully autonomous, self-driving vehicles, has officially expanded to Los Angeles. This marks the company’s largest expansion yet, as it currently operates in Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Now, anyone in Los Angeles can hail a self-driving vehicle throughout the nearly 80 square miles of LA County, including Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Culver City. The service is available without any waitlists or restrictions. 

Here is what to know about Waymo, how it works, safety, and frequently asked questions. 

What Is Waymo?

Waymo began in 2009 as the Google Self-Driving Car Project. It is an autonomous driving technology company that became an independent subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. in 2016. 

Waymo operates a commercial robotaxi service called Waymo One, which offers fully autonomous rides to the public. As of November 2024, Waymo One is available in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The company plans to expand to Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, in 2025. 

Waymo’s fleet comprises over 700 vehicles, completing more than 150,000 rides weekly across multiple cities. Poised to serve as an alternative to Uber and Lyft, the company is committed to providing reliable and fully autonomous driving services. 

Getting Started with Waymo in Los Angeles County

Here is how you can try one of Waymo’s self-driving vehicles in Los Angeles: 

1. Download the app: Download the Waymo One app to get started with driverless cars. 
2. Create an account: Access the app’s features and start your autonomous ride-hailing experience. 
3. Choose your destination: You can request a ride for up to four passengers. When the vehicle arrives, simply unlock the door with your app.
4. Start ride: Once in the vehicle, hit “start ride” and monitor the drive. 

Waymo operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a fleet of 100 vehicles in Los Angeles County and plans to add more soon. 

How Waymo Works

Self-driving cars were once seen as the way into the future; now, they are a reality. Waymo has developed the “Waymo Driver,” a suite of sensors and software designed to detect and respond to the environment around the vehicle. Its “drivers” use a combination of software and sensors, including cameras, radar, and lidar, to navigate complex traffic situations without human intervention.

Before operating in a new area, Waymo extensively maps the territory in detail, including stop signs, traffic lights, and crosswalks. It then uses these maps, along with real-time sensor data and artificial intelligence (AI), to plan the best action or route to take. 

Waymo Safety Benefits and Concerns 

Billed as the “World’s Most Experienced Driver,” Waymo has over 20 million miles in real-world driving experience. Their data indicates reduced traffic and fatalities in the cities where Waymo vehicles operate. 

Waymo claims its autonomous vehicles offer a safer alternative to human drivers, who may be impaired by fatigue, alcohol, or distractions. This claim is supported by data indicating that Waymo’s vehicles have a significantly lower rate of injury-causing crashes than human-driven vehicles. 

The safety and predictability of Waymo’s autonomous vehicles have made them particularly appealing to women concerned about personal safety when traveling with unknown human drivers. Additionally, parents are increasingly utilizing Waymo’s services to transport their teens to school. 

Despite its many benefits, Waymo doesn’t come without its safety concerns. In February 2024,  a cyclist was injured by a Waymo vehicle in San Francisco. There have also been several incidents of Waymo cars blocking roads and obstructing buses and emergency vehicles. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What cars does Waymo use?

Waymo One’s Robotaxi service uses a fleet of Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles.

How much does Waymo cost?

Waymo prides itself on transparency with its pricing, letting riders know how much their trip will cost before booking. Pricing is based on the most direct route to the destination. Expect higher prices during busier times, such as nights and weekends.

Does Waymo operate on freeways?

Currently, Waymo vehicles do not operate on freeways or provide service to and from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). However, the company is actively working to expand its operations to include these areas in the future.

Why do some Waymo vehicles have human drivers? 

If you enter a Waymo vehicle, you may see a human in the driver’s seat. They are autonomous specialists tasked with monitoring the autonomous driver technology. They provide feedback and help to improve the Waymo One experience. 

Los Angeles Car Accident Law Firm 

Navigating the roads with vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, and self-driving cars can be challenging. If you were involved in an accident with a Waymo car or other self-driving vehicle, you may wonder what to do. After all, there isn’t a driver to go after. 

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim is a top car accident law firm in Los Angeles that can help you decode complex legal documents to identify the negligent party. We will help you secure maximum compensation for your accident-related injuries from the car company or whoever is responsible. Call our Los Angeles law office today at (310) 295-1087 for a free consultation.