Waymo has temporarily halted its robotaxi services on freeways in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Miami due to challenges faced in construction zones, according to a company confirmation to TechCrunch.
Technical Adjustments
The company is currently integrating recent technical learnings into its software, with an expectation to resume freeway services soon. Waymo's robotaxis continue to operate on surface streets in these cities.
Previous Operational Challenges
This pause follows previous suspensions in Atlanta and San Antonio, Texas, where flooding issues led to operational halts. A software recall was announced last week to help the fleet avoid flooded areas in San Antonio, where services have been on hold for weeks. A recent incident in Atlanta, where a robotaxi got stuck, prompted a suspension there as well.
Expansion Goals
Despite these setbacks, Waymo aims to expand to new global markets this year, targeting up to one million paid rides per week by the end of 2026. The company is also testing its new Zeekr-built robotaxi, called Ojai, which is expected to start offering rides soon.
Impact on Metro Areas
Waymo started offering highway rides in late 2025, which have been integral to its expansion in large metro areas, facilitating quicker connections to airports and reducing travel times. In the Bay Area, for instance, freeway travel has significantly reduced trip times across the peninsula.
The decision to suspend freeway operations was not linked to a specific incident, but Waymo's robotaxis have been observed struggling with highway construction zones. A video posted by X user @Elliot_slade on May 19 showed a Waymo vehicle navigating through cones, reportedly followed by police.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/21/waymo-halts-freeway-rides-after-robotaxis-struggle-in-construction-zones/
