Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service to Teenagers in Nashville
Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service by allowing teenagers as young as 13 to use the autonomous ride-hailing platform in Nashville. This marks the second city where Waymo has introduced teen accounts, following a similar launch in Phoenix last year. The company plans further expansions across multiple markets and will offer these accounts only in cities with mature operations and supportive local regulations. Waymo's rider base has grown significantly over the past two years, driven by rapid market expansion into 12 new cities since May 2024. Paid robotaxi trips have increased tenfold from 50,000 per week to more than half a million weekly in early 2026. The company recently launched services in Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Tampa. Teen accounts require parental or guardian oversight but allow teens full access within service areas and the ability to bring up to three friends aged 13–17. While this could pose challenges with group behavior, it may also appeal to parents seeking safer alternatives for their children's transportation.
Topics: autonomous vehicles market expansion robotaxi teen ridership Waymo