Waymo Enters Corporate Travel: Autonomous Rides for Business

Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to Businesses

Waymo, the self-driving technology developer, is now extending its reach into the corporate sector. This expansion signifies a new phase in the company’s ambitions for widespread robotaxi adoption.

Introducing Waymo for Business

The Alphabet-owned entity has unveiled “Waymo for Business,” a dedicated service enabling companies to facilitate employee access to robotaxis. Currently available in cities including Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, this program offers a convenient transportation solution.

Announced via a blog post on Wednesday, Waymo for Business allows organizations to register and provide their employees with access to the service. Businesses can either subsidize rides directly or acquire promotional codes for distribution to employees, clients, or customers. Ride costs remain consistent with the standard Waymo service.

Early Adoption and Corporate Benefits

Carvana, a Phoenix-based online used car retailer, is among the first companies to embrace Waymo for Business. This marks Waymo’s initial, focused effort to engage corporations and organizations commercially.

Previously, individuals utilized Waymo’s robotaxis for commuting. However, this new service represents a structured approach to cater to corporate transportation needs. Waymo reports that approximately 16% of its riders in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix utilize the service for work or educational commutes.

Service Functionality and Control

The user experience remains unchanged for employees. They will continue to request rides through the existing Waymo app (or the Uber app in cities like Austin). The key difference lies in the enhanced control offered to companies.

Waymo for Business provides a dedicated business portal. This portal empowers organizations to manage their ride programs effectively. Features include defining service areas, specifying pickup and drop-off zones, monitoring ride activity, and tracking expenditures.

Future Expansion Plans

Waymo intends to extend the availability of its business service to additional cities. Washington, DC and Miami are targeted for inclusion once commercial operations are established in those locations.

Growth and Market Position

Over the past 18 months, Waymo has significantly increased its operational capacity. It has become the leading robotaxi service provider in the United States. The company’s commercial service has expanded from Phoenix to include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, and Atlanta, with further city launches planned for 2026.

Diversifying Customer Acquisition Strategies

Beyond geographic expansion, Waymo is actively pursuing alternative strategies to broaden its customer base. Access has been granted to key transportation hubs, including Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, San Jose Mineta International Airport, and soon, San Francisco Airport. This directly challenges traditional ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.

Furthermore, Waymo has established partnerships with Via, a public transit solutions provider, and has even extended access to teenage riders through parental account controls.