Waymo halts freeway rides after robotaxis struggle in construction zones

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Waymo suspended robotaxi freeway service in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Miami while it integrates technical learnings to improve performance in construction and highway work zones. The company continues to operate its fleet on surface streets and previously paused operations in Atlanta and San Antonio to address flooding-related issues with a software recall and further fixes. Videos and reports show robotaxis struggling with cones and construction-zone navigation, prompting the temporary suspension as Waymo updates its software. Waymo is testing a new Zeekr-built robotaxi called Ojai and is pursuing aggressive expansion that targets up to one million paid rides per week by the end of 2026.

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