Waymo Finally Launches the First Self Driving Ride-share Service

It’s been months of testing but the service is finally here. Waymo, the self-driving technology development company unit of Alphabet Inc., has launched the country’s very first commercial autonomous ride-share service.

The service, which has been in development since April 2017, at first will be limited to cities surrounding Phoenix, including Tempe, Mesa and Chandler. The Waymo One program will give customers rides in self-driving vehicles 24 hours a day.

“Self-driving technology is new to many, so we’re proceeding carefully with the comfort and convenience of our riders in mind,” remarked Waymo CEO John Krafcik.

Waymo is expecting the cost to consumers for using Waymo One to be competitive with Uber, Lyft as well as other ride-hailing services.

Next year, General Motors subsidiary Cruise is also planning to launch a similar service using self-driving vehicles.

Disclaimer: We have no position in General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) and have not been compensated for this article.