Baltimore, December 4, 2025
Waymo has expanded its autonomous ride-hailing services to Baltimore, Maryland, marking a significant advancement in the city’s transportation options. The initiative began with manual driving sessions to acclimate vehicles to local roadways and traffic patterns. Governor Wes Moore expressed his support for the partnership, which aims to enhance road safety and mobility for residents. Part of a broader expansion, Baltimore joins three other cities in adopting Waymo’s innovative technology, which has been embraced by local organizations for its potential to improve accessibility.
Baltimore Embraces Waymo’s Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service
Baltimore, Maryland – Waymo, the self-driving car service owned by Alphabet Inc., has expanded its autonomous ride-hailing operations to Baltimore, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transportation landscape.
Initial Testing Phase
This week, Waymo initiated manual driving sessions in Baltimore to familiarize its vehicles with the city’s roadways and traffic patterns. These preliminary tests are a crucial step before transitioning to fully autonomous operations. The company plans to engage with local communities, first responders, and state officials to ensure a safe and successful deployment of its technology.
Governor’s Support
Maryland Governor Wes Moore expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it aligns with the state’s tradition of embracing innovation and driving discovery. He emphasized that this collaboration with Waymo is expected to spur growth, enhance road safety, and improve mobility for Maryland residents.
Waymo’s Expansion Plans
Baltimore is among four new cities where Waymo is expanding its autonomous ride-hailing services, alongside Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh. The company has been testing its self-driving vehicles in various U.S. cities, including Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and is now extending its reach to these additional urban areas.
Community Engagement
The National Federation of the Blind has welcomed Waymo’s arrival in Baltimore, highlighting the potential for improved mobility and accessibility for residents who face transportation challenges. The organization looks forward to collaborating with Waymo to ensure that the technology meets the needs of all community members.
Safety and Testing
Waymo’s vehicles have accumulated over 100 million miles of fully autonomous driving on public roads, demonstrating the company’s commitment to safety and reliability. The expansion into Baltimore is part of Waymo’s broader strategy to integrate autonomous ride-hailing services into diverse urban environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Waymo’s expansion into Baltimore?
Waymo, the self-driving car service owned by Alphabet Inc., has expanded its autonomous ride-hailing operations to Baltimore, Maryland.
What is the initial phase of Waymo’s testing in Baltimore?
Waymo has begun manual driving sessions in Baltimore to familiarize its vehicles with the city’s roadways and traffic patterns.
What support has Waymo received from Maryland officials?
Governor Wes Moore has expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it aligns with Maryland’s tradition of embracing innovation and driving discovery.
Which other cities are included in Waymo’s latest expansion?
Alongside Baltimore, Waymo is expanding its autonomous ride-hailing services to Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh.
How has the National Federation of the Blind responded to Waymo’s expansion?
The National Federation of the Blind has welcomed Waymo’s arrival in Baltimore, highlighting the potential for improved mobility and accessibility for residents who face transportation challenges.
Key Features of Waymo’s Expansion to Baltimore
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Testing Phase | Manual driving sessions to familiarize vehicles with Baltimore’s roadways and traffic patterns. |
| Governor’s Support | Governor Wes Moore’s endorsement aligns with Maryland’s tradition of embracing innovation. |
| Community Engagement | Collaboration with local communities, first responders, and state officials to ensure safe deployment. |
| Expansion Plans | Part of a broader strategy to introduce autonomous ride-hailing services to multiple U.S. cities. |
| Safety Record | Over 100 million miles of fully autonomous driving on public roads, demonstrating commitment to safety. |
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Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
