* 2/25/26 - Crains - Waymo eyes Chicago for robotaxi rollout..................
Buzz Sawyer
"The Mountain View, Calif.-based company is deploying a small fleet of human-driven
vehicles to map streets and gather other data in preparation for one day deploying
robotaxis in the city, starting with a corridor between the South Loop and Wrigleyville.
There’s no timeframe, however, for when Waymo will begin offering service in Chicago
because it will require legislation."
Waymo eyes Chicago for robotaxi rollout
Waymo wants to bring its robotaxis to Chicago.
The Mountain View, Calif.-based company is deploying a small fleet of human-driven vehicles to map streets and gather other data in preparation for one day deploying robotaxis in the city, starting with a corridor between the South Loop and Wrigleyville.
There’s no timeframe, however, for when Waymo will begin offering service in Chicago because it will require legislation.
Rep. Kam Buckner, a Chicago Democrat who is part of the leadership team in the House, recently introduced a bill that would allow a three-year pilot program in Cook County and the areas around Springfield and near St. Louis.
If lawmakers agree to allow autonomous vehicles, Chicago would join 10 other cities in having Waymo service. The company, which is owned by Google’s parent, Alphabet, operates in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and other cities.
“Chicago is a very dense, large city with a lot of existing ride-hail demand that we feel we can complement with our service,” says Waymo spokesman Chris Bonelli.
The interior of a Waymo robotaxi (Waymo)Chicago makes sense for other reasons, too, says Joe Schwieterman, a transportation analyst and professor at DePaul University.
“We’re an ideal candidate for autonomous-vehicle experimentation: our grid system and wide streets are well-suited for it,” he says. “We have a reputation for transportation innovation, and we’re visible on the global stage, which is what AV companies need.”
Waymo notified the city of its plans to start gathering data.
“The city looks forward to engaging with commuters, workers, transit advocates and industry leaders as we pursue constructive dialogue with our partners in Springfield and pursue an equitable path forward,” the mayor’s office says in a written statement.
Waymo likely will face skepticism by the public over the safety of driverless vehicles on dense city streets, as well as political opposition from groups such as the Illinois Drivers Alliance.
“The reality is that autonomous vehicles threaten to displace thousands of workers across Illinois — especially here in Chicago where rideshare driving is primary source of income for thousands of workers,” the group says in a statement. “Drivers are the backbone of our transportation system and our communities, getting people to hospitals, schools and jobs every single day.”
Illinois Drivers Alliance is led by influential Service Employees International Union Local 1 and the Automobile Mechanics’ Local 701, who are attempting to unionize rideshare drivers.
Navigation gear atop a Waymo robotaxi (Waymo)