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It’s almost like you can’t go a day without another Waymo announcement, or two. Just a day after Waymo started commercial robotaxi service in Orlando, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas, the company has shared that it is now readying a launch in Chicago and in Charlotte.
Waymo to Chicago
“It’s time for Waymo in the Windy City! Chicago is a city of culture, ambition, and an unyielding spirit of innovation, making it the perfect next stop for the World’s Most Experienced Driver™. We are excited to begin laying the early groundwork for our ride-hailing operations in Chicago, and look forward to serving the city in the future,” Waymo writes.
As the 3rd most populous city in the United States, Waymo’s entry there will be a huge deal, especially since it can also be a very snowy city. Proving itself in Chicago could be a big marker for the robotaxi company. The service will surely launch in a rather narrow area of Chicago, but hopefully it will expand rapidly and cover most of the metro area before too long.
As one of the largest cities in the country, Chicago also has its fair share of nightlife, and that, unfortunately, means drunk driving and resulting accidents, injuries, and even deaths. If Waymo can help prevent such things, that would go a long way in helping the people of Chicago — even if Donald Trump and his administration value a human life at $0.00. “Roadway safety across all of Illinois is quite simply one of the most important issues today,” said Erin Doherty, Regional Executive Director, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Illinois. “Autonomous vehicles hold the exciting promise of preventing deaths and injuries caused by behavioral factors, including impaired driving, if deployed responsibly and safely and in collaboration with the right community and city stakeholders. We welcome Waymo into these new communities as another tool in the toolbox to end impaired driving.”
Waymo to Charlotte
“Charlotte blends its historic charm with North Carolina’s economic dynamism. Uptown – the city’s sports hub – is surrounded by vibrant neighborhoods, from South End with its breweries and restaurants to the arts of NoDa. The Queen City is constantly redefining itself, and it’s this same forward-looking culture that makes us thrilled to announce Waymo’s intention to bring our safe, magic, fully autonomous ride-hailing to Charlotte, North Carolina,” the company adds.
A couple of the most notable people in North Carolina and Charlotte chimed in with their enthusiasm for the news as well.
“Wherever North Carolinians are traveling, safe and reliable transportation is essential,” stated North Carolina Governor Josh Stein. “We are eager to see how Waymo’s expansion into Charlotte can increase accessibility, modernize transportation, and create safer roads.”
“Charlotte is a world-class city that embraces innovation and the opportunity to move forward,” added Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “This announcement reflects our tireless dedication for expanded mobility, and we believe Charlotte is an excellent choice for Waymo’s next destination.”
Where to next, Waymo?
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