Waymo has officially opened its driverless taxi service to the public in Los Angeles, bringing another level of self-driving technology closer to everyday use.

This development comes 15 years after Google initially began experimenting with autonomous vehicles, marking a substantial milestone for the tech giant’s spinoff, as reported by The Associated Press.

As of now, anyone with the Waymo One app can order a ride across an 80-square-mile radius in Los Angeles, bypassing the need for a driver. This public launch follows months of limited access that saw more than 300,000 people on a waiting list, eagerly anticipating the service.

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California regulators granted Waymo approval to charge for rides 15 months ago, enabling the company to expand from its initial operations in Phoenix to key urban areas, including San Francisco.

Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana highlighted the progress, stating, “Our service has matured quickly, and our riders are embracing the many benefits of fully autonomous driving.” While driverless tech was once considered futuristic, Waymo’s expansion aims to make it a regular, everyday option for riders.

Despite the rapid growth, Waymo remains a significant investment for Alphabet. Reports indicate Alphabet’s “Other Bets” division, which includes Waymo, posted a $3.3 billion loss over nine months this year.

Even so, the company secured $5.6 billion in additional funding, with backing from investors like Andreessen Horowitz and T. Rowe Price, reflecting sustained faith in Waymo’s future.

LA … the day is finally here! Rides are now open to everyone in beautiful, sunny La-La Land. ✨No waitlists or invite codes required. Download and ride today → https://t.co/Oq3GtBJk2i pic.twitter.com/PDhxfSgSj5

— Waymo (@Waymo) November 12, 2024

Tesla is expected to join the race with its “Cybercab” service by 2026, though Elon Musk’s ambitious timelines are often met with skepticism. Waymo, however, has a track record to back its claims: its robotaxis have already covered over 20 million fully autonomous miles without serious incidents.

This impressive safety record stands in sharp contrast to competitors like Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, whose service faced suspension after a pedestrian-related incident in San Francisco.

Looking ahead, Waymo is collaborating with Uber to launch robotaxi services in Atlanta and Austin next year, while Amazon’s Zoox aims to roll out driverless rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco soon. With partnerships across major cities, Waymo’s leadership in autonomous driving technology is unmistakable.