Waymo's Northeastern Expansion: Road Trips to NYC and Philly

Waymo initiated road trips to Philadelphia and New York City, marking its expansion efforts into Northeastern markets. These trips involve mapping the cities using human-driven vehicles equipped with Waymo's autonomous driving system, followed by autonomous testing with a safety driver present. Similar trips have previously led to commercial launches in other cities. While Waymo applied for a permit to test driverless vehicles in NYC, approval is pending, and commercial deployment remains a long-term goal. Waymo's broader strategy centers on expanding its commercial robotaxi services, with planned launches in Miami this year and Washington, D.C., in 2026.