Waymo has added Washington D.C. to its expanding robotaxi service and plans to launch rides via the Waymo One app. Originating as a secret project within Google in 2009 and becoming a separate company owned by Alphabet Inc. in 2016, Waymo has established itself as a frontrunner in the developing driverless technology market. 

Currently, Waymo's robotaxis are mapping Washington's streets with a safety driver onboard who can take control if necessary, similar to their operations in Phoenix, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Austin, Texas. Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo co-CEO, expressed excitement about bringing the comfort, consistency, and safety of Waymo One to residents. 

Fully driverless rides in Washington D.C. are expected next year, pending regulatory updates. Meanwhile, Waymo is aggressively expanding its robotaxi coverage and has partnered with Uber to dispatch robotaxis in Atlanta later this year, amid competition from companies like Amazon, Tesla, and Lyft.