Alphabet 's Waymo said Thursday that its robotaxi service is now open to paying riders in Miami, kicking off a 2026 market expansion.
Miami is the sixth market where Waymo offers driverless ride-hailing service, extending its lead over Tesla and Amazon -owned Zoox. As U.S. competition has lagged, Waymo's planned 2026 expansions could lock in rider demand and loyalty in the U.S.
To start, Waymo will offer its services within a 60-square-mile area that includes Miami's Design District, Wynwood, Brickell and Coral Gables neighborhoods, the Google sister company said.
The company began testing its vehicles in the Florida city in early 2025. Waymo said it plans to extend its service to the Miami International Airport in the near future, but did not give a specific timeline.
The company said "nearly 10,000 residents" of Miami have already signed up to try its robotaxi service, and Waymo will be "inviting new riders on a rolling basis." Riders can hail a Waymo robotaxi in Miami using the company's app.
Waymo is partnering with mobility company Moove for fleet management services including vehicle charging, cleaning and repairs.
The Miami launch comes after Waymo has faced public concerns over the safety and driving behavior of its vehicles.
Waymo's vehicles contributed to gridlock during storms and widespread power outages in San Francisco last month. The company has been refining its systems to better navigate during such circumstances and weather, Waymo said afterward.