Alphabet’s robo-taxi service hits a major new milestone after doubling ridership in just a few months

Waymo’s boost in ridership comes as it ramps up service this year – fully launching commercial rides in San Francisco and starting gradual service in Los Angeles all in the last few months. — The New York Times

In the race to transport people in self-driving taxis, Alphabet’s subsidiary Waymo has emerged as the clear frontrunner.

On Aug 20 the company announced that its customers were taking more than 100,000 paid rides weekly – double the number from just a few months ago in May. It’s a signal that Waymo is extending its lead over its robo-taxi competitors and that its ride-hailing business could become a meaningful revenue stream for Google’s parent company.