Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company backed by Alphabet, has exciting news for residents of Los Angeles – its robotaxi service is now available to everyone! With a previous waitlist of 300,000 people now obsolete, anyone can simply download the Waymo One app and hail a ride within the service area, spanning 80 square miles in Los Angeles County.
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Expanding Presence in Los Angeles:
- Waymo first entered Los Angeles in 2019, meticulously mapping various neighborhoods, from downtown to Miracle Mile, Koreatown to Santa Monica.
- Reflecting its growth and success, Waymo declared Los Angeles as its next commercial market after Phoenix and San Francisco.
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Milestones Achieved for Expansion:
- Overcoming regulatory hurdles, Waymo secured the necessary permits from the California Public Utilities Commission to commence commercial operations in San Francisco in August 2023.
- Further approvals in March 2024 widened Waymo’s service territory in the Bay Area, encompassing the San Francisco Peninsula and freeways.
- Notably, Waymo swiftly eliminated the waitlist for San Francisco riders in June as part of its continuous expansion efforts.
- Major Funding Boost:
- In a recent development, Waymo announced a significant achievement in raising $5.6 billion in Series C funding. Notable investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Silver Lake, Fidelity, and others participated in the round, led by Alphabet.
- This substantial investment has elevated Waymo’s valuation to more than $45 billion, demonstrating investor confidence in the company’s vision and potential.
In conclusion, with its ongoing expansions, regulatory approvals, and substantial funding, Waymo is poised for continued growth and success in revolutionizing the landscape of autonomous transportation. As the company unlocks new possibilities in the realm of self-driving technology, the future holds exciting opportunities for both Waymo and its customers.
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