Waymo Launches in Nashville – CleanTechnica

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Waymo has just begun robotaxi service in another city today. If you’re in Nashville, you can now hail a robotaxi from the USA’s #1 robotaxi company. Just start by downloading the Waymo app.

“Since April, we’ve welcomed tens of thousands of riders from our interest list to experience the safety, reliability, and magic of Waymo, and now our vehicle doors are open to everyone,” Waymo notes. “As we welcome more riders, safety remains our north star. Our growth is built on real-world performance, rigorous testing, and extensive operational preparation. This ensures we can safely navigate fast-changing weather and collaborate with local safety partners. The Waymo Driver has been involved in 94% fewer crashes causing serious or fatal injuries than human drivers in the same conditions, and that standard carries into every mile we drive in Tennessee.”

The company uses every chance it can to point out the safety advantage of its robotaxis. Of course, this helps to build social trust and public permission for the company. When there are accidents involving Waymo vehicles, the company would hope that all of the notes it makes regarding its safety stats pay off and limit any backlash. The ideal response would be: “Well, that sucks, but Waymos are safer overall.”

With robotaxi service now launched in Nashville, the company is on to looking at where and how to expand. “We’re already preparing for what’s next. We are testing at Nashville International Airport with hopes to serve travelers there in the near future. Plus, while you can hail a ride on the Waymo app today, you’ll also be able to ride through the Lyft app later this year,” the company adds.

Waymo also highlighted one of the groups of people that greatly benefit from such service. “As a blind person, every ride I have ever taken in my life has depended on someone else—a family member, a friend, a driver, or a stranger. Waymo changed that,” shared James Brown, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Tennessee. “It’s more than a new technology—it’s a level of independence, dignity, and opportunity that many blind people have never had the chance to experience.”

Kudos to Waymo for opening up in another city. Where to next?