Waymo has opened its fully autonomous ride-hailing service to anyone in Dallas, ending the invitation-only phase that began in February.
As of Tuesday, residents and visitors can download the Waymo app and request a driverless ride within the company’s Dallas service area. Waymo said it welcomed nearly 150,000 riders from its interest list before opening the service to everyone on August 4.
Airport and freeway rides remain unavailable
Public rides do not yet include Dallas Love Field Airport or Dallas-area freeways. Waymo said it continues fully autonomous testing at Love Field terminals and plans to serve airport travelers in the future. The company also expects to begin fully autonomous testing on Dallas freeways soon, describing testing as the final step before opening those routes to public riders.
Waymo has not announced a date for airport or freeway service. Riders can check availability within the current Dallas service area through the app.
Public rollout follows February launch
Waymo first opened select public rides in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Orlando on February 24. The company invited riders on a rolling basis while expanding operations ahead of a wider public launch.
The company had announced its Dallas rollout in 2025 through a fleet partnership with Avis Budget Group, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Chris Justl, CEO of Epilepsy Foundation Texas, which identified itself as a Waymo partner, said in the company announcement, “Waymo autonomous vehicles are not just the future—they’re a transformational step forward for the epilepsy community and anyone living with medical conditions that limit their ability to drive, creating a new pathway to safe, independent travel. At Epilepsy Foundation Texas, we’re proud to partner with Waymo to help bring this future to life across Texas.”
Safety setbacks preceded expansion
The wider rollout follows a temporary Texas service suspension in May. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Waymo paused rides in Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio during severe weather after flood-related incidents.
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall covered 3,791 automated driving systems because the software could allow vehicles to slow and then enter standing water on higher-speed roads. NHTSA said all affected vehicles received an interim update by April 20.
A separate June recall filing covered 3,871 fifth-generation systems that could enter freeway construction zones under some circumstances. The filing said Waymo restricted freeway driving while developing software improvements and additional operating protocols.
Provided by Dallas Express
