Waymo app for Valley’s self-driving ride service released for iOS

PHOENIX – Exactly one year after debuting in the Phoenix area, self-driving vehicle company Waymo’s commercial ride-hailing service is becoming more accessible.

The Waymo app, which previously was available only to enrollees accepted into the Google spin-off company’s early rider program and Android device users, was rolled out to the App Store on Thursday.

Users of iPhones and other iOS devices can now download the app and join a wait list to use the first-of-its kind driverless ride service known as Waymo One. The app has been available for Android devices through Google Play since April.

People also can sign up for the program through Waymo’s website.

The Waymo app is now available on the App Store. iPhone users everywhere can now download our app, and those located in our Metro Phoenix service area can experience the Waymo Driver. https://t.co/TJhaY4RkOw pic.twitter.com/yKV62cr4gz

— Waymo (@Waymo) December 5, 2019

New riders will have to be accepted into the early rider program before they can use the app to book and purchase rides in Waymo’s self-driving SUVs.

Waymo One’s service area remains unchanged in its year of existence. The roughly 100-square-mile area primarily covers Chandler, home of Waymo’s Valley operations, and extends into parts of Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix.

The company said Waymo One is up to 1,500 active monthly riders and has tripled the number of weekly rides since January 2019.

Since Waymo began rider services in 2017, including the early rider program, its self-driving vehicles have completed more than 100,000 rides.

The company said it will continue using customer feedback to make its service better, including improving and refining pickup and drop-off locations.

Array

Follow @kstonezone