Google’s Waymo To Expand to Miami as Attacks on Robotaxis Persist

Google is making another big move into the robotaxi space, with its Waymo self-driving taxi service set to expand to Miami in early 2025.

According to a statement posted to the Waymo blog, the company will be rolling out its electric Jaguar I-PACEs to Miami streets, despite challenging conditions created by rainy weather. Partnering with African fintech company Moove for its fleet management credentials, it appears that Waymo is poised to expand its reach beyond existing operational regions of Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin, Texas.

“We are excited to partner with Moove in Phoenix and later Miami, bringing together their mobility-focused fleet management experience with our growing Waymo One service,” said VP of Operations Ryan McNamara. “Together, we will provide safe, seamless trips for riders, and scale faster and more cost-effectively over time, with safety continuing to lead the way.”

Shares of Competitors Lyft, Uber Tumble Over News of Waymo’s Expansion

As Investopedia detailed, share prices for Lyft and Uber — both primary competitors to Waymo in the ridesharing sector — tumbled by about 10% on Dec. 5 following Waymo’s announcement. Google stock, in the interim, has remained relatively flat, resting at $176.09 as of 3:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 6.

With Tesla’s anticipated robotaxi service also beginning operations in earnest, it appears that the era of the driverless taxi is set to become a reality in the immediate future for many urban centers across the nation. At least one individual seemed pleased with this latest news: the mayor of Miami, Francis X. Suarez.

“Fully autonomous driving technology offers a safe and convenient option to the people of Miami. I’m so pleased to welcome Waymo to our city,” said Suarez, as quoted in the Waymo press release. “Waymo’s commitment to sustainability with their all-electric fleet is the perfect mobility option to our city as we continue to prioritize low cost, clean energy.”

Robotaxis Attacked by San Francisco Residents

While the driverless rideshare and taxi business seems destined to become a fixture of modern culture, not everyone is on board with the idea — particularly some residents of San Francisco, who have expressed notable skepticism.

Per a Dec. 6 Bloomberg report, the city has seen several different instances of violence being enacted against Waymo vehicles. Tires have been slashed, windshields have been stomped on, and vehicles have even been set ablaze in apparent acts of disrespect — or even hatred — toward the robotaxis.

Further, a few of those celebrating the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent World Series win tagged a Waymo vehicle with spray paint as Google moved into that market.

It remains unclear whether these incidents are merely random acts of vandalism or something more deliberate, perhaps an ideological or political statement against the expansion of this new technology. Despite this resistance, however, it seems inevitable that the driverless taxi is set to become a staple of everyday life in America — at least according to those behind the popularization of the tech: invested companies and eager consumers alike.