Waymo pauses freeway rides to improve response in construction zones
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Waymo has paused freeway rides for its robotaxi service in San Francisco and other cities as it works to improve how its vehicles respond in construction zones.
The company said riders can still use its service for trips around the city. However, freeway travel, including rides to the airport, is currently unavailable.
The affected cities where freeway service will be suspended include freeways in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Miami.
MORE: Waymo recalls over 3,500 vehicles after robotaxi entered flooded Texas road, company says
The pause follows a recent recall affecting some of its fleet after vehicles became stuck in flooding in Atlanta and San Antonio.
While no single incident was cited as the cause, the company's robotaxis have shown difficulties operating in highway construction areas.
MORE: ABC7 tests out Waymo ride on freeway to San Jose Mineta Airport
On May 19, one user on X claimed that his waymo "blasted through cones, swerved huge trucks and sped away from the cops."
The company says it expects to restart its freeway service soon after making adjustments to its system.
Waymo first launched highway rides in late 2025. When San Jose Mineta International Airport became the first in California to allow passengers to be dropped off Via Waymo, ABC7 tested out the highway rides for ourselves.
