Waymo Expands Robotaxi Testing to Philadelphia and NYC
Waymo has officially begun robotaxi road trips in Philadelphia and New York City as part of its aggressive expansion across the Northeast. In Philadelphia, its vehicles will navigate downtown, North Central, University City, Eastwick, and even approach the Delaware River. Meanwhile, in NYC, Waymo will map routes from north of Central Park down to Battery Park, plus parts of Brooklyn, Jersey City, and Hoboken all under human supervision while awaiting regulatory approval
These trips blend manual and autonomous driving. First, human-driven vehicles map streets and refine AI. Then Waymo tests autonomous systems with safety drivers behind the wheel . Similar road trips have led to commercial robotaxi services in cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego, and San Antonio.
Waymo currently operates over 1,500 vehicles, delivering more than 250,000 weekly rides in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. It’s also gearing up for launches in Miami later this year and Washington, D.C. in 2026
Philadelphia Testing
In Philadelphia, Waymo’s testing focuses on gathering data and understanding how their technology performs in a new urban environment. The company emphasizes that these tests are conducted with Waymo employees as passengers. The goal is to map the city’s unique traffic patterns and road conditions. These tests also gather insights that will help improve the safety and efficiency of the Waymo Driver. They are not yet offering public rides in Philadelphia, and instead concentrate on research and development.
New York City Testing
Waymo has launched its robotaxi testing in New York City. This mirrors its careful approach in Philadelphia by deploying vehicles with employee passengers. They ride inside to gather real-world data and refine Waymo’s AI systems.
Importantly, NYC’s high traffic density and complex road patterns make it a crucial test location. Waymo aims to navigate congested streets, busy crosswalks, cyclists, and construction zones. Consequently, the company sees this as a valuable proving ground for its technology .
Moreover, this initial phase focuses solely on mapping and internal testing. First, human‑driven trips map routes. Then safety driver supervised autonomous runs begin, collecting data while ensuring oversight . Waymo applied in June for a New York City Department of Transportation permit and is pushing for state law changes to allow fully driverless cars autobodynews.com
Focus on Safety and Data Collection
Waymo prioritizes safety above all else in its testing programs. Each vehicle is equipped with a suite of sensors and software designed to navigate complex urban environments. The data collected during these tests is crucial for refining Waymo’s algorithms and improving the overall performance of its autonomous driving system. By testing in diverse cities like Philadelphia and New York, Waymo can better prepare its technology for widespread adoption.
