Waymo, Avis Partner to Bring Robotaxis to Dallas by 2026

Waymo tested autonomous vehicles in Austin this spring and has now announced plans to expand to Dallas in 2026.

In a July 28 news release, Waymo announced it has partnered with Avis Budget Group to manage operations of its next batch of robotaxis in Dallas. Avis will oversee charging, cleaning and routine maintenance at Waymo’s designated depots.

"We look forward to bringing our fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the people of Dallas next year, offering a new era of safe and seamless transportation," said Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana. "Working together with our fleet partner Avis, Waymo will offer more riders a stress-free way to get around."

Waymo has not announced an exact launch date but said it plans further expansion to other cities in the coming years.

What is Waymo?

Waymo is an Alphabet-owned company that develops autonomous driving technology. It launched in 2009 as Google's self‑driving car project and became its own entity in 2016.

How does Waymo work?

Waymo enables autonomous vehicle operation through sensors, artificial intelligence, and detailed high-definition mapping. The “Waymo Driver” system follows a “Sense, Solve, Go” approach, detecting its surroundings, planning optimal routes, and executing driving actions. This technology powers Waymo’s ride-hailing service, allowing passengers to take trips without a human behind the wheel.

Waymo currently operates about 1,500 vehicles, Reuters reports. It currently serves over 250,000 paid trips weekly in cities, including Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Austin. Dallas will be the company’s second Texas city with full commercial service.

What does Waymo look like?

See videos shared on social media of Waymo robotaxis driving in Austin and Atlanta.