Alphabet’s Waymo is resuming fully autonomous robotaxi rides on Phoenix freeways. The company plans to expand these high-speed operations to additional cities shortly.
This restoration follows a temporary suspension of all freeway travel initiated in May 2026. Engineers used the pause to deploy a software update improving vehicle performance in construction zones and flooded areas.
Freeway access allows for significantly faster trip times than surface streets. Waymo views high-speed travel as a critical advantage for competing against traditional ride-hailing services.
The driverless freeway service originally launched in November 2025 across Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. This return to service demonstrates progress in resolving the software issues that prompted the temporary halt.