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Waymo Set to Expand Robotaxi Operations to Dallas, Partnering With Avis for 2026 Launch
Alphabet’s self-driving tech unit Waymo is taking another bold step toward scaling its autonomous ride-hailing services in the U.S., announcing plans to launch its robotaxi fleet in Dallas by 2026. This expansion adds Dallas to a growing list of target markets that already includes Miami and Washington, D.C., reinforcing Waymo’s leadership in the increasingly competitive robotaxi space.

The company revealed its plans on Monday, also announcing a strategic partnership with Avis Budget Group, which will manage and maintain Waymo’s electric fleet in Dallas. The move is part of a broader shift for Avis as it positions itself as a mobility infrastructure provider, not just a rental car business.

“This is a major milestone for Avis,” said CEO Brian Choi, emphasizing the company's role in supporting next-generation transportation. “We're building the operational backbone for autonomous mobility in cities.”

Robotaxi Testing Already Underway in Dallas
Waymo has already begun testing its Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles equipped with the Waymo Driver system in downtown Dallas. These vehicles operate under Level 4 autonomy, meaning they can function without human intervention in defined conditions.

The driverless rides will be available to customers through the Waymo app, providing a seamless experience similar to ride-hailing platforms. In contrast to some markets like Los Angeles, where Waymo services are offered via Uber, Dallas will feature direct access through Waymo’s own platform.

Waymo Leads U.S. Robotaxi Push as Rivals Play Catch-Up
While competitors like Tesla, Amazon’s Zoox, and startups such as Nuro, May Mobility, and Wayve continue to pilot autonomous services, Waymo has already made significant commercial headway. The company currently conducts over 250,000 paid rides per week in operational markets including Phoenix, San Francisco, Austin, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.

Waymo’s autonomous tech has logged over 100 million self-driven miles on public roads, with testing underway in more than 10 cities, such as New York and Philadelphia, according to Alphabet executives during the company’s latest earnings call.

Internationally, Waymo’s toughest competition comes from China’s Baidu, whose Apollo Go robotaxi service is gaining ground and looking to enter European markets.

Financials Show Growing Importance of Waymo to Alphabet
Waymo’s expansion is becoming substantial enough to impact Alphabet’s financial reporting. In its Q2 2025 earnings, Alphabet categorized autonomous transportation under its “Other Bets” revenue segment, which also includes healthcare and internet services.

• Other Bets revenue: $373 million (up from $365 million YoY)
• Segment loss: $1.25 billion (widened from $1.13 billion in Q2 2024)

Although still operating at a loss, the growing revenue reflects Alphabet’s long-term investment strategy in AI-driven transportation and its confidence in Waymo’s eventual profitability.

All Eyes on Dallas as Waymo Expands Autonomous Ambitions
Waymo’s upcoming launch in Dallas highlights its commitment to bringing autonomous mobility to major U.S. cities. With robust backing from Alphabet and an operational partnership with Avis, the company appears well-positioned to maintain its lead in the race to commercialize robotaxis. As the industry matures, consumer adoption and regulatory developments will be key drivers determining just how fast autonomous vehicles go mainstream.