From PhillyVoice · · 2m
Waymo delays Philly driverless timeline
Waymo won't share when it will go fully driverless in Philadelphia after a year of testing.
In brief
Waymo won't share when it will go fully driverless in Philadelphia after a year of testing. Waymo has not provided a timeline for when it will operate fully driverless vehicles in Philadelphia despite over a year of testing with human safety drivers. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Waymo testing in Philly
Waymo has been testing autonomous vehicles in Philadelphia with human safety drivers behind the wheel for more than a year.
Philly resident spots Waymo
A mom driving her kids to school spotted a Waymo vehicle at an intersection on Sept 22, 2026, but couldn't see a driver.
Waymo denies autonomous operation
Waymo spokesperson Ethan Teicher said no vehicles operate without trained specialists in Philadelphia.
PennDOT investigates
PennDOT directed Waymo to review its routes after receiving a photo of a Waymo vehicle without a driver.
Waymo review confirms drivers
Waymo reviewed 24 hours of data showing all vehicles had drivers or were in autonomous mode.
City Council wants transparency
City Councilmember Jim Harrity wants Waymo to share safety data and timelines for driverless cars.
Waymo avoids timeline
Waymo has not provided a timeline for when it will operate fully driverless vehicles in Philadelphia.
State regulation delays
PennDOT requires 10 days' notice before Waymo can operate without drivers in Philadelphia.
City Council frustration
City Council feels powerless to regulate Waymo's autonomous vehicle testing due to state authority.
Public safety concerns
Residents report fear of Waymo crashes and glitches, with some claiming vehicles stop abruptly in traffic.
Waymo expansion plans
Waymo is expanding into 20 new markets worldwide with autonomous testing in Atlanta and Dallas.
City Council preference
City Councilmember Jim Harrity wants Waymo to start in Pittsburgh before Philadelphia.
Economic impact fears
Low-income residents worry Waymo will reduce gig work income for rideshare drivers.
PennDOT monitoring
PennDOT encourages public to report Waymo vehicles without drivers for investigation.
Waymo's next steps
Waymo will need PennDOT certification before operating fully driverless vehicles in Philadelphia.
Timeline uncertainty
Waymo has not specified when it will operate without drivers in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.
The big picture
Waymo has not provided a timeline for when it will operate fully driverless vehicles in Philadelphia despite over a year of testing with human safety drivers.
