Waymo Launches Free Driverless Ride-Hailing in Los Angeles, With Plans to Expand to Austin

Waymo is launching fully driverless ride-hailing services in Los Angeles starting March 14th, covering 63 square miles from Santa Monica to downtown LA.

The LA service will be free at first but transition to paid rides in the coming weeks after recent approval from the California Public Utilities Commission.

Waymo tested its LA service through its "Waymo Tour" over the past few months, offering free rides to locals in various LA neighborhoods.

The company also plans to launch rides in Austin, Texas later this year, covering a 43 square mile area where it has already started testing.

During Electrek's test ride in LA, Waymo's vehicle mostly handled the chaotic driving situation well, though it did get stuck twice needing remote assistance.