Waymo Launches Public Driverless Car Rides in Denver
Waymo is launching public rides in its driverless cars across an initial 60-square-mile area of Denver, starting Tuesday.
Denver, CO, September 1, 2026 — Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company, has begun offering public rides in its driverless cars within an initial service area in Denver. The expansion marks a significant step for the company in bringing its autonomous ride-hailing service to a new major metropolitan area.
The service area encompasses an initial 60-square-mile radius of Denver. The launch, which commenced on Tuesday, allows members of the public to hail a ride operated entirely by Waymo’s autonomous driving system, without a human safety driver onboard.
This deployment in Denver follows extensive testing and development by Waymo. The company has been operating in several other cities, including Phoenix and San Francisco, gathering data and refining its technology for broader public use. The introduction of driverless rides in Denver signifies Waymo’s commitment to scaling its operations and making autonomous transportation accessible.
Details regarding the specific geographic boundaries of the 60-square-mile service area were not provided in the initial summary. Information on the exact features available to public riders, such as operating hours or specific vehicle models, was also not detailed. The timeline for potential expansion of the service area beyond the initial 60 square miles was not disclosed.
Waymo’s driverless technology relies on a combination of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate public roads. The company states its mission is to make it safer and easier for people and goods to get to where they’re going. The launch in Denver is expected to provide a new mobility option for residents and visitors within the designated service zone.
Story summarized from the original created by Olivia Prentzel on coloradosun.com, see more information here.
