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Driving on Miami highways is always an adventure, and now there's a new thrill to add to the mix of sudden lane changes, mysterious slowdowns and speeding sports cars: Waymo. That's right, the driverless cars are now heading to Miami highways.
The self-driving car company has officially opened its doors (well, doors that open themselves) to everyone in Miami and Orlando. No more waitlists, no invites needed. Just download the app, request a ride and let a car with no human driver take it from there.
Waymo launched in Miami in January with a limited service area, and recently expanded to serve Miami Beach and Bal Harbour. Now the company is expanding service to the highways, including I-95, the Dolphin Expressway (836) and the Palmetto Expressway (826). Yes, those same highways that test the patience and reflexes of even the most seasoned drivers are now part of the driverless plan. Your Waymo can get you from place to place faster while you sit back and relax. To be among the first to try these highway rides, you can opt in through the app.
The company has already been navigating highways in places like Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles. But bringing that experience to Miami means adapting to a whole new set of challenges, from sudden tropical downpours to the city’s unique driving style. Remember when that Waymo caused a backup on Venetian Causeway? Early glitches have supposedly been worked out, and the cars are ready for their next challenge.
Waymo says its system has significantly fewer serious crashes than human drivers in similar conditions. That’s a bold claim, but it’s also the foundation of this entire rollout. Hopefully these driverless cars can make the transition smoothly, merging seamlessly onto the highway and into the thrill ride that is driving in Miami.