Waymo, the self-driving car company, has now been greenlit to start shuttling passengers to and from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The service, which is the culmination of a pilot program initiated last September, kicks off today for a select batch of early riders, as detailed in a press release from the San Francisco International Airport.
The program's approval marks a significant stride in autonomous transit, offering a new alternative for those looking to navigate their way to the Bay Area's hub of air travel. According to the San Francisco International Airport, the final phase of Waymo’s pilot entails a "paid for hire autonomous passenger service for eligible Waymo customers." Travelers can expect to find the Waymo pickup area on Level 1 of the Rental Car Center, accessible by the AirTrain, for now, with plans to expand to more airport locations disclosed.
Waymo's own announcement echoes the airport's enthusiasm, with co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana stating, "Serving rides to and from San Francisco International Airport delivers one of the most requested features for our riders and further deepens our relationship with the city." Mawakana also noted the anticipated influx of travelers due to major events scheduled for this year, noting that Waymo’s service is ready to accommodate this growth.
Beyond convenience, SFO and Waymo highlight the safety benefits of autonomous driving, positioning it as part of the city's broader efforts in economic recovery and sustainable development. Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet told the SFO press release, "As the premier airport for a region of innovation, this new option demonstrates our continued commitment to providing an extraordinary travel experience with transportation options that are safe, sustainable, and reliable."
