Waymo has expanded service to Downtown San Jose and beyond

Waymo is now operating even deeper into San Jose! Previously you could only get a Waymo near SJC, West San Jose, and North San Jose. Now all of Downtown San Jose is covered along with The Alameda, Rose Garden, and part of Central San Jose (Happy Hollow, Kelley Park, History San Jose, Tech CU Arena).

The expansion arrives just in time to show off our autonomous ride-hailing capabilities to Super Bowl and World Cup attendees. More competition and access generally translates to lower prices, which also means more people will have the option to live without the expense of a car. 

Tesla is also increasing their number of Robotaxis in Silicon Valley. Their coverage map already covers the majority of San Jose, but unlike Waymo a safety driver is still required. Tesla has started fully autonomous rides with no one in the car in Austin.

It will only be a year or two before autonomous rides are commonplace in the South Bay. Waymo has already overtaken Lyft to be the second most popular ride-hailing solution in San Francisco.

Source: Ethan McKanna on X

Waymo Launches Autonomous Rides at San Jose International Airport

The arrival of Waymo's autonomous vehicle service at Mineta San Jose International Airport marks a significant step forward for San Jose's transportation options, allowing passengers to hail self-driving rides directly from the airport. As the first commercial airport in California to offer this technology, San Jose positions itself at the forefront of modern mobility, potentially making travel more convenient and less expensive residents and visitors alike.

The service also connects San Jose with San Francisco through Bay Area freeways, opening up seamless access across the region. Initially focused on central areas like Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair, Waymo plans to expand into Downtown San Jose and beyond in the coming months. This development aligns perfectly with the city's growth, enhancing connectivity for shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations.

Looking ahead to 2026, when San Jose hosts major events including Super Bowl 60, FIFA World Cup matches, and NCAA March Madness, the airport's role becomes even more crucial. Waymo provides a smooth, safe way for attendees to navigate the area, supporting the influx of visitors expected within a short radius of Downtown. Airport officials highlight how this integration reflects San Jose's efficient infrastructure and commitment to advanced transportation solutions.

While national surveys show that many drivers remain cautious about autonomous vehicles, with around 60 percent expressing fear, trust is steadily increasing. Recent data indicates a rise in confidence, from 9 percent to 13 percent over the past year, as people recognize the potential for improved traffic efficiency and safety. In San Jose, early adopters are already enthusiastic, viewing these rides as a practical enhancement to daily commutes and airport transfers.

I have taken a handful of Waymo rides over the years and the experience has gotten exceedingly better. I would actually pay a little more and wait a little longer for a Waymo verses Uber/Lyft, but they are actually already cost competitive with other rideshare options and in the long run will be much less expensive while providing more space and a privacy.

Source: SVBJ