Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to Los Angeles, Challenging Troubled Autonomous Driving Market

Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo is set to roll out its robotaxi service in Los Angeles, expanding beyond Phoenix and San Francisco. In a move that challenges the troubled self-driving vehicle industry, Waymo is offering the service initially for free before transitioning to a paid model. This expansion comes at a time when the rival Cruise had to halt operations and lay off staff in San Francisco. Waymo's bold step in the face of industry challenges signifies its leadership in a technology that has proven more difficult to deploy than anticipated. Amid increasing regulatory scrutiny, Waymo remains keen on asserting its presence in the autonomous driving market.