Waymo to launch autonomous taxis in Madrid in 2027
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on TimesLIVE
Waymo plans to launch an autonomous transport service in Madrid in 2027, the company’s first operation in Spain. Jaguar I-Pace vehicles will begin driving in the coming days with specialists at the wheel, before moving to driverless operation, according to Reuters.
Waymo, the autonomous driving subsidiary of US group Alphabet, plans to launch a transport service using fully autonomous vehicles in the Madrid region in 2027, the company announced on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
Electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles are due to appear on Madrid’s streets in the coming days. Trained specialists will be behind the wheel before autonomous journeys begin. Waymo will carry out its tests under the framework of Spain’s road safety agency, the DGT.
The company is also aiming to launch in London this year and in Tokyo in 2027, subject to regulatory approval for its partnership with Nihon Kotsu and Go. A rollout in Toronto is planned for 2028 with Element Fleet Management. Waymo already operates its fleet in more than 15 US cities, where it completes more than 500,000 paid rides a week and has surpassed 20 million trips in total.
According to safety data compiled by Waymo from more than 400 million kilometres travelled autonomously, its vehicles are involved in 95% fewer crashes causing serious or more severe injuries than human drivers. Last month, the DGT issued its first national autonomous vehicle testing permits to WeRide and Uber; their commercial services in Madrid are expected by the end of the year.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
