Waymo has expanded its robotaxi service area in Austin from 37 square miles to 90 square miles, adding several new neighborhoods and popular destinations. This expansion comes in response to competition from Tesla, which has recently showcased its own service area in a less serious manner. Waymo highlights its fully autonomous service available 24/7, contrasting it with Tesla's limited operation hours and safety monitoring. The expansion signals Waymo's readiness to take on competition, offering no waitlists and exclusively utilizing the Uber app.
Earlier this week, Elon Musk posted an image of Tesla's robotaxi service area in Austin, Texas, that was in the shape of a penis. Hilarious, I know, but more importantly: it appeared that Tesla's map was slightly larger than Waymo's service area, which covers just 37 square miles in Austin.
Waymo's new map covers 90 square miles in Austin, which is an increase from the current 37-square-mile service area. New neighborhoods include Crestview, Windsor Park, Sunset Valley, Franklin Park, and more, as well as popular destinations like The Domain and McKinney Falls State Park.
Waymo stressed that it's "the only fully autonomous, 24/7 experience for anyone in Austin," a clear reference to Tesla's limitations. Waymo's vehicles are unsupervised and available at any time, while Tesla's vehicles include a safety monitor in the passenger seat, only operate between 6AM and midnight, and are invite-only.
Waymo also stressed "no waitlists or caveats" as part of its service, which is available exclusively on the Uber app.
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