Waymo Announces Phased Return of Self-Driving Services in Phoenix
After a temporary suspension in March due to COVID-19, Waymo has confirmed it will restart autonomous vehicle operations in Phoenix, Arizona, beginning May 11. This marks the first phase of the company’s carefully planned return to service across multiple cities.
Strategic Resumption of Services
Waymo’s decision follows extensive consultations with:
- Internal teams and partners
- Local and state authorities
- Public health experts
The Phoenix relaunch serves as a pilot before expanding services to other key markets, including San Francisco, Detroit, and Los Angeles.
Public Health Considerations
While Arizona’s stay-at-home order expires May 15, health experts caution that:
- The state may not have reached its COVID-19 peak
- Recent reports indicate modeling experts were asked to pause projections (Washington Post)
Comprehensive Safety Protocol
Waymo has implemented rigorous health measures aligned with CDC and local guidelines:
Vehicle & Facility Protocols:
- Mandatory face masks for all personnel (except solo drivers)
- Enhanced cleaning partnership with AutoNation (multiple daily sanitizations)
- Reduced maximum occupancy in all workspaces
Workplace Safety Measures:
- Social distancing enforcement
- Specialized health and safety training
- Pre-entry health screenings with occupational healthcare providers
According to Waymo’s official announcement, this represents a “tiered approach to safely resume our operations,” beginning with test vehicles before gradually reintroducing the Waymo One ride-hailing service.
The company emphasizes its commitment to balancing technological innovation with public health responsibility during this phased reopening.
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