Waymo is set to introduce its autonomous taxis internationally for the first time as it expands its testing beyond U.S. borders.
In an announcement made Monday, the company revealed that a fleet of its self-driving vehicles will soon navigate the bustling streets of Tokyo, with operations beginning early next year.
To manage and service the vehicles, Waymo will partner with Nihon Kotsu, the largest taxi operator in Tokyo, and collaborate with GO, a well-known taxi-hailing app in Japan. Initially, drivers from Nihon Kotsu will operate Waymo’s vehicles manually to map crucial areas of Tokyo, targeting neighborhoods such as Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa, and Kōtō. Following this mapping phase, the company plans to offer paid rides in a pilot program, although a specific timeline has not yet been disclosed.
Waymo’s team believes that navigating Tokyo’s streets will enhance its autonomous technology by familiarizing it with left-hand driving and the unique driving habits required in one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
In a blog post describing this expansion, Waymo expressed eagerness to collaborate with local partners, government officials, and community organizations to understand and integrate into Tokyo’s transport system. The company emphasized its commitment to ensuring that its technology is safe and effective throughout the process.
Additionally, Waymo is engaging with local regulators and safety officials in Japan to facilitate a smooth integration of its autonomous technology into Tokyo’s transport infrastructure.
The decision to expand to Japan is timely, as the country is currently experiencing a significant shortage of taxi drivers, which may have influenced Waymo’s choice. However, achieving a comprehensive robotaxi service throughout Tokyo may still take several years to develop.
Having conducted tests in multiple U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, Waymo recently announced plans to launch services in Miami and has already started providing paid rides via ridesharing apps.
This expansion effort comes amid challenges faced by competitors in the autonomous vehicle sector. General Motors has recently decided to cease funding for its competitor Cruise, citing high operation costs and the difficulties of scaling its business amidst growing competition in the robottaxi market.
