Waymo's Driverless Cars to Hit Houston Streets This Summer

Waymo's Self-Driving Cars to Test in Houston Neighborhoods this Summer Houston, TX – Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company, announced plans to conduct road tests of its driverless vehicles in Houston this summer. The testing will involve approximately 10 vehicles navigating various neighborhoods and highways, including Midtown, Norhill, Greenway, and portions of Interstates 45, 10, and 69. Initially, the cars will be driven manually, with a transition to autonomous driving while a driver remains present, according to a Waymo spokesperson. "Our goal is to test our technology in new cities and learn how people travel," stated the Waymo representative. "We plan to meet with residents and understand their transportation needs." The tests represent a significant step for Waymo, which previously focused on ride-hailing services. The company's decision to expand testing to Houston underscores the growing interest in autonomous vehicles and their potential impact on urban transportation. The Houston tests will help Waymo refine its technology and adapt it to the unique challenges of driving in a diverse urban environment. The initiative is expected to generate both excitement and some apprehension among Houstonians. The company's commitment to community engagement and data transparency should help address concerns about driverless technology. The successful completion of these tests could pave the way for broader adoption of autonomous vehicles in Houston and other cities.