Florida’s New Way to Ride: Waymo Opens to Everyone in Miami & Orlando

Waymo has officially opened its fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the general public in Miami and Orlando, marking a significant expansion of its presence in Florida. Previously available only to a select group of users, the service can now be accessed by any resident or visitor through the Waymo app. This launch follows a successful initial phase where over 150,000 riders experienced the self-driving vehicles, reinforcing Waymo’s commitment to providing safe and efficient transportation options in these cities. A key development accompanying the public rollout in Miami is the introduction of highway travel, designed to improve journey times across the city. This feature allows autonomous vehicles to navigate major freeways, facilitating quicker trips between popular destinations such as Coral Gables, Wynwood, and Miami Beach. Waymo invites users to express interest via the app to be among the first to benefit from this enhancement, which aligns Miami with other cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles where highway driving is already integrated into the service. Waymo emphasises the rigorous testing and localised operational strategies underpinning its Florida services, including adaptations for regional weather conditions and close collaboration with local safety authorities. The company highlights its strong safety record, noting that the Waymo Driver has been involved in 92% fewer serious or fatal crashes compared to human drivers under similar conditions. This safety performance is central to Waymo’s confidence in scaling its technology and expanding access to autonomous rides. The expansion into Orlando connects key neighbourhoods such as Parramore, Richmond Heights, and Southwest Orlando, offering residents and visitors a convenient alternative to traditional transport. Waymo’s approach reflects a broader vision of earning public trust through consistent, reliable service as it deepens its footprint in Florida. With the app now open to all users, the company looks forward to welcoming more riders and advancing the future of mobility in these vibrant urban areas.