Get ready for a whole new ride-sharing experience as Waymo continues to push the boundaries of autonomous transportation. The robotaxi company has just secured regulatory approval to expand its driverless operations across larger swaths of California, signaling a major leap forward in self-driving technology.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has granted Waymo permission to test and deploy its autonomous vehicles across an impressive range of territories. In the Bay Area, this means covering most of the East Bay, North Bay (including the scenic Napa Wine Country), and even extending to Sacramento. Southern California isn’t left behind either, with Waymo’s approved territory stretching from Santa Clarita all the way down to San Diego.

While the expansion is exciting, Waymo still needs additional regulatory approvals before it can start carrying paying passengers in all these new regions. However, the company has already announced its ambitious plans, with a specific target of launching rides in San Diego by mid-2026.

This expansion is part of a broader strategy for Waymo, which is simultaneously preparing to enter multiple new markets. The company plans to launch services in cities like Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, San Antonio, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. In recent weeks, they’ve also announced entries into Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Tampa.

Moreover, Waymo is continuously improving its technology. They’re removing safety drivers in preparation for commercial launches and have already started offering freeway rides in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. This gradual, methodical approach suggests a commitment to not just expanding quickly, but expanding safely.

As autonomous vehicle technology continues to evolve, Waymo is positioning itself at the forefront of a transportation revolution. For Bay Area residents and Californians more broadly, this means more flexible, potentially more efficient transportation options are just around the corner.