Waymo opens robotaxi service in Las Vegas as its 15th market

Waymo has begun opening its robotaxi service to the public in Las Vegas, making the city its 15th commercial robotaxi market. The Alphabet-owned company received final approval from Nevada transportation regulators a few weeks earlier.

Waymo will invite public riders on a rolling basis, following a launch process it has used in 14 other cities. The service is starting with dozens of Ojai minivan robotaxis. Its initial operating area includes the Strip south of Highway 589 and extends into Boulder Junction.

For now, riders must request an invitation and receive an access code. Waymo said its fleet and service area will eventually expand.

The Nevada Transportation Authority has authorized Waymo to operate up to 1,000 autonomous vehicles in Clark County over the next 12 months. Tesla can deploy up to 5,000 vehicles, while Uber can deploy up to 1,000 robotaxis through partnerships with Motional and Zoox. Together, the permits allow up to 8,000 robotaxis in the county over 12 months.

Waymo currently has more than 4,000 robotaxis operating across more than 12 cities. Las Vegas is also a planned commercial market for Tesla, Zoox, and Motional.