The future of transportation is officially rolling out across the Bay Area as Waymo launches its autonomous vehicle service on local freeways. Imagine cruising from downtown San Francisco to San Jose without a human hand on the wheel – this is no longer science fiction, but a rapidly approaching reality.

Waymo has begun deploying its driverless cars on highways 101 and 280, covering areas like San Bruno, San Mateo, Palo Alto, and Mountain View. While not all riders will have immediate access, the company is gradually expanding its service, allowing select users to experience highway-speed autonomous driving.

Stanford’s Mykel Kochenderfer, director of the Intelligent Systems Laboratory, calls this a “make-or-break moment” for autonomous vehicle technology. The stakes are high: at freeway speeds, the potential consequences of technological errors are significantly more serious than in city driving.

The expansion isn’t just about the Bay Area. Waymo is simultaneously launching freeway services in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and has plans to extend to Austin and Atlanta. Early users can opt in through the Waymo One app, with more access being granted in the coming weeks.

Engineers have rigorously tested these vehicles, simulating complex scenarios like lane-splitting motorcyclists and overturned vehicles. Initial reports suggest the autonomous vehicles handle acceleration and lane changes with remarkable precision, and other drivers appear unfazed by their presence.

While the technology is promising, challenges remain. A recent incident involving a bodega cat in the Mission District has highlighted potential limitations in the vehicles’ sensing capabilities. The autonomous vehicle industry continues to navigate these complex technological and ethical landscapes.

As Waymo puts it, “The open road symbolizes freedom and unlimited possibility,” and these driverless vehicles are pushing the boundaries of what transportation can look like in the 21st century. For Bay Area residents, the future of travel is now just a tap away.