Waymo plans fully autonomous ride service in Munich for late 2027

Waymo is preparing to launch its first fully autonomous ride service in Germany. The US company plans to put its first vehicles on the streets of Munich in the coming weeks. Initially, they will still be driven manually to map the road network and prepare the technology for local traffic conditions. The service is expected to open to the public toward the end of 2027.

Initial test drives will use human drivers

In the first phase, Waymo will deploy specially trained personnel behind the wheel. The vehicles are intended to collect data on Munich’s road network while carrying out initial test drives. This will provide the basis for adapting the autonomous driving system, “Waymo Driver,” to the specific conditions of traffic in the Bavarian capital.

In parallel, the company plans to complete the necessary approval and authorization procedures. According to Waymo, it is already in discussions with policymakers and authorities at various levels.

Public launch planned for late 2027

Once testing and approvals are complete, Waymo intends to open its driverless ride service to the public toward the end of 2027. Munich would become the commercial robotaxi provider’s first German market. Uber, Autobrains, and NVIDIA are also planning a robotaxi program in Munich.

Waymo aims to complement existing transport

Waymo already has extensive experience with autonomous ride services. According to the company, it has completed more than 20 million autonomous rides in total. It now operates hundreds of thousands of commercial rides per week.

In Germany, the service is intended to complement existing modes of transport. Waymo explicitly refers to public transport as well as cycling and walking.