Waymo’s skyrocketing ridership in one chart

Waymo has reached 500,000 paid robotaxi rides weekly across 10 U.S. cities, a tenfold increase since May 2024. Expanding into new markets and optimizing its 3,000-vehicle fleet, Waymo faces scrutiny over safety issues while its growth contrasts starkly with Uber's 13.5 billion rides in 2025. Other competitors in the robotaxi market are lagging behind as they work toward similar services.

Key Points

• Waymo reports 500,000 paid robotaxi rides weekly, a surge from 50,000 in May 2024.
• The company has expanded from 3 initial cities to 10, including cities in the Sun Belt.
• Despite maintaining a fleet of over 3,000 robotaxis, Waymo is improving individual vehicle utilization.
• Increased public and regulatory scrutiny regarding safety has emerged.
• Waymo's ridership is still far less than that of Uber, which handled 13.5 billion trips in 2025.

Relevance

• The rise of Waymo reflects the broader trend of increased investment and competition in autonomous vehicle technology.
• As of 2025, many companies are vying for the autonomous ride-hailing market, indicating a shift in urban mobility.
• Waymo's challenges with scrutiny highlight the ongoing safety concerns faced by AV companies across the world.

Waymo's rapid growth in ridership represents significant advancements in the robotaxi sector, although it still trails Uber significantly. While expansion brings opportunities, it also raises critical questions about safety and regulation that will shape the future of autonomous transportation.