Waymo continues to add self-driving robotaxis to more US cities. On Tuesday, the company announced its next location: Portland, Oregon. Portland will join Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Orlando and a handful of other cities.
While Waymo hasn’t announced an official launch date, the company — which is owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet — is sending human drivers out in its vehicles to familiarize its Waymo Driver technology with Portland’s streets.
The city’s mayor is on board.
“We need every tool to help us meet our Vision Zero goals, and autonomous technology plays an increasingly important role in providing a safe, thriving, affordable multimodal transportation system,” said Keith Wilson, mayor of Portland, in Waymo’s press release. Vision Zero is a Portland program aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries.
In the press release, Waymo said that it believes Portland’s independent spirit and sense of community make the city a fitting place for Waymo’s
...Keep reading this article on CNET.
