Overview
- Waymo began a phased return of freeway-capable robotaxi routes starting in Phoenix after pausing high-speed service in May to address construction‑zone problems.
- The company voluntarily recalled 3,871 Jaguar-based robotaxis in June after at least 13 instances in which cars drove past ramp-closure signs into planned freeway construction zones, and it reported no injuries from those events.
- Waymo says it implemented software updates that improve scene recognition and routing so the vehicles will detect ramp closures and avoid driving at speed through construction areas, and the fixes were validated with simulation and monitored real-world testing.
- Freeway service will roll out to other markets including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin and Miami, and Waymo says it will closely track vehicle behavior as routes return to ensure the changes work in live traffic.
- The recall and pause have increased regulatory scrutiny and rider concern, prompted a congressional proposal for national autonomous‑vehicle safety standards, and risked customer defections that could affect Waymo’s business advantage from faster freeway trips.