Waymo begins mapping streets in Virginia

Waymo is preparing to enter Northern Virginia if the state grants permission for the robotaxi service, WIRED reported on May 27.

The company, owned by Alphabet, has transported self-driving cars to Arlington and Alexandria last week to begin mapping streets and the features around them.

Waymo spokesperson Ethan Teicher told WIRED it’s “an important preparatory step should the Commonwealth authorize fully autonomous ride-hailing,” although the company “does not currently have plans for a commercial service there.”

The Virginia Senate passed a bill earlier this year sponsored by Sen. Saddam Salim that would establish requirements for the operation of fully autonomous vehicles. A House bill failed to make it out of committee.

Virginia has an Autonomous Driving Work Group that is considering how policymakers could develop regulations for driverless vehicles.

According to Waymo, its service operates in 11 U.S. metropolitan regions and is expanding to 20 more cities, including London and Tokyo. The company says it’s safer than other ride-hailing options, because Waymo driving technology “never gets drunk, tired, or distracted.”

The company has faced some setbacks due to opposition by labor unions and local governments and car trouble on flooded roadways.