Alphabet’s Waymo unit announced plans to launch its robotaxi service in Dallas in 2026, expanding its presence alongside other planned U.S. markets such as Miami and Washington, D.C. The company revealed a new partnership with rental car giant Avis Budget Group, which will manage the Waymo fleet in Dallas. Avis CEO Brian Choi described the collaboration as a key milestone in the company’s goal to become a major provider of fleet management and operations within the broader mobility ecosystem.
Waymo’s robotaxi testing is already underway in downtown Dallas using Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles equipped with the Waymo Driver system, enabling level 4 driverless operation through advanced software and sensors. Riders in Dallas will be able to hail driverless rides directly via the Waymo app, unlike some markets where service is offered only through Uber. Waymo leads the U.S. autonomous vehicle market, competing with companies like Tesla, Amazon-owned Zoox, and startups such as Nuro and May Mobility. The company currently operates commercially in cities including Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, providing over 250,000 paid trips weekly. Internationally, Baidu’s Apollo Go in China is one of its biggest rivals, with plans for European expansion. Alphabet’s latest earnings highlighted that Waymo’s autonomous vehicles have driven over 100 million miles on public roads, testing in more than 10 cities this year. Despite growth, Waymo’s business remains part of Alphabet’s “Other Bets” segment, which reported $373 million in quarterly revenue but a $1.25 billion loss.