Waymo to Introduce Autonomous Taxi Service in Dallas City
Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving unit, has announced plans to expand its autonomous ride-hailing service to Dallas, Texas, next year. This expansion follows the successful launch of the service in Austin earlier in 2025.
The Dallas service will operate independently through Waymo's own app, unlike the Austin service which is accessed via Uber's app. A key element of this expansion is a strategic, multi-year partnership with Avis Budget Group. Avis will manage the Waymo fleet in Dallas, handling vehicle charging, cleaning, maintenance, and other depot operations to ensure smooth day-to-day service.
Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert expressed excitement about the launch, emphasizing the innovative technology-driven transportation option this service will provide to residents and visitors. The service aims to support Dallas’s Vision Zero goals by improving road safety, leveraging Waymo’s data showing autonomous vehicles enhance safety on city streets.
Dallas' vibrant metro area with an active downtown and diverse districts makes it a suitable market for Waymo’s 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing service. Riders can use the service for various purposes, such as attending Dallas Mavericks games or exploring the city's culinary and arts scenes.
Waymo currently completes more than 250,000 paid rides and millions of miles of autonomous driving each week across five major U.S. cities. The company cites its track record of improving safety in cities where it already operates.
The partnership with Avis Budget Group is part of Waymo's commitment to making scaled autonomous mobility a reality for the people of Dallas, with plans to expand to additional cities in the near future. Dallas will join a growing list of cities where Waymo operates or plans to expand, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Miami, Washington D.C., and potentially New York City (with human drivers initially).
Avis Budget Group CEO Brian Choi stated that this partnership marks a pivotal milestone in their evolution towards becoming a leading provider of fleet management, infrastructure, and operations to the mobility ecosystem. This collaboration is expected to help scale Waymo's robotaxi operations even faster across North America.
The service will provide transportation options for both residents and visitors of Dallas, making it easier to navigate the city's bustling streets. With Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing service set to debut in 2026, Dallas is poised to become a leader in autonomous mobility technology.
The execution of Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing service in Dallas, Texas, involves a strategic partnership with Avis Budget Group, focusing on finance and fleet management to establish scaled autonomous mobility in the city. This service, integrated with Dallas' vibrant transportation landscape, will utilize advanced technology to offer efficient rides, catering to various needs such as attending events or exploring the city's attractions.
