Waymo is widening access to its purpose-built Ojai robotaxis, making the vehicles available to any rider across Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco.
The move, announced by Waymo and reported by Engadget Gaming, expands a rollout that began with limited pickups in those markets earlier in 2026.
Ojai moves beyond limited pickups
Waymo’s initial deployment restricted how widely riders could access the Ojai model. Opening the vehicles to everyone in the three cities represents the next stage for the company’s purpose-built robotaxi service.
Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco already hosted the limited Ojai pickups, so the announcement broadens rider availability within existing operating markets rather than introducing the model to new locations.
Waymo’s California reach is growing
The expanded Ojai access arrives as Waymo gains permission to bring its driverless cars to roads in Sacramento and San Diego. That authorization adds two more California cities to the company’s potential operating footprint, although Waymo’s announcement focused on rider availability in its current Ojai markets.
The company has also restored freeway access for its robotaxis. Highway service resumed in July after Waymo suspended it in May, returning another road type to its driverless operations.
Together, the updates show Waymo broadening rider access while continuing to extend where its autonomous vehicles are allowed to operate.
Would broader Ojai availability make you more likely to try a driverless ride?
