Waymo Halts Robotaxi Operations in Five US Cities After Vehicles Enter Flooded Roads

Waymo, the self-driving car subsidiary of Alphabet, has ceased its robotaxi operations across five United States cities. This pause specifically affects four cities in Texas and Atlanta, Georgia, and is a direct consequence of a software flaw that led several vehicles to drive into flooded roads, subsequently becoming stranded.

The company initiated a recall of nearly 3,800 robotaxis earlier this month after an incident on 20 April in San Antonio, Texas. An unoccupied Waymo vehicle entered a flooded road and was swept into a creek. A similar occurrence in Atlanta led to the broader service suspension, with Waymo stating the measure was taken "out of an abundance of caution."

Furthermore, Waymo has also suspended its services on US freeways to address issues related to vehicle performance in construction zones. The firm, which has expressed ambitions to launch a robotaxi service in London, stated to news outlets that safety is its "highest priority."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had previously highlighted the software problem, noting it could permit vehicles "to slow and then drive into standing water on higher speed roadways." Waymo confirmed it is developing "additional software safeguards" to rectify this defect. The company stated it is closely monitoring weather conditions and anticipates resuming services soon.