Summary
Waymo has opened its first public autonomous ride-hailing service in Las Vegas, covering a nearly 24-mile area. The rollout uses Ojai vehicles powered by the company’s sixth-generation Waymo Driver and will expand across Clark County in stages.
Waymo has begun offering public autonomous rides in Las Vegas, marking the company’s first public-rider service in the city. The rollout started on September 14, 2026, after months of studying Las Vegas roads and validating the Waymo Driver’s performance across the city, according to the company.
More than 100,000 people expressed interest in riding with Waymo during the preparation period. The company says initial riders will be able to travel to destinations including Allegiant Stadium and The Venetian, as well as between neighbourhoods and local businesses.
Where the Las Vegas service operates
The initial service area covers nearly 24 miles. Riders can request trips from Boulder Junction along the Las Vegas Strip to Sahara Avenue, with connections extending from the edge of Spring Valley to Winchester.
Waymo says Las Vegas will join Denver and San Diego among the first cities with majority-Ojai fleets powered by the sixth-generation Waymo Driver. The company describes the Ojai vehicle as having a spacious cabin, large screens and multiple customisation options. The rollout is an all-electric autonomous ride-hailing service, according to Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley’s statement included in the announcement.
Access is beginning with an initial group of public riders. Waymo says it will steadily provide access to more riders in Clark County as it works towards opening the service to everyone.
From road testing to public service
The Las Vegas launch changes Waymo’s role in the city from testing and validation to transporting members of the public. That creates a practical service connecting major visitor destinations with residential and neighbourhood areas within the defined operating zone.
Waymo also highlighted its stated safety record as part of the launch. The company reports that the Waymo Driver is involved in 94% fewer crashes involving serious injury or worse than human drivers over the same distance driven. This is a Waymo-reported comparison cited as the system begins public service; it is not a result from the newly opened Las Vegas rider programme itself.
The staged expansion is central to the rollout. The first service area provides a defined operating zone around the Strip and nearby communities, while the planned Clark County expansion will determine how broadly residents and visitors can use the service. The announcement does not give a date for access to everyone in the county.