San Jose is about to get a futuristic transportation upgrade as Waymo prepares to launch its robotaxi service at Mineta San Jose International Airport this fall. The Mountain View-based autonomous vehicle company, originally spun off from Google in 2017, will introduce a groundbreaking travel option for Bay Area residents and travelers.

Starting later this year, passengers can now catch a driverless ride from Terminal A or B, with destinations limited to Waymo’s current Bay Area service zone. This includes much of the Peninsula from Burlingame northward and all of San Francisco. City manager Jennifer Maguire describes the service as “a new innovative option” for airport transportation.

Waymo’s journey to widespread adoption hasn’t been without challenges. San Francisco previously battled autonomous vehicle companies over traffic disruptions and safety concerns, particularly with Cruise’s problematic rollout. However, recent support from San Francisco’s Mayor Daniel Lurie and continued technological improvements have paved the way for expanded autonomous transit.

The robotaxi service represents more than just a convenient transit option – it’s a glimpse into the future of urban transportation. By removing human drivers, Waymo aims to create safer, more efficient travel experiences. The company has been methodically expanding its service area, recently extending ride-hailing to areas like Daly City and Colma.

While some skepticism remains, with incidents like a recent confrontation between a Waymo vehicle and a road flagger highlighting potential technological limitations, the company continues to push boundaries. As autonomous technology evolves, San Jose residents and visitors can look forward to a potentially transformative transportation experience.

This expansion marks another significant milestone in Waymo’s mission to revolutionize how we think about urban mobility, bringing us closer to a future where self-driving vehicles are the norm rather than the exception.