Waymo announced that it will begin welcoming its first public riders to the new Ojai robotaxi in the coming weeks, marking the debut of the company’s next-generation autonomous vehicle platform. The Ojai has already been providing fully autonomous rides to Waymo employees for several months, and the company is now expanding access to select members of the public.
The Ojai is powered by Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous driving system and was designed specifically to enhance the rider experience. According to the company, the vehicle was created to feel more like an “oasis on wheels” than a traditional automobile, offering a spacious cabin, improved accessibility features, and a more comfortable passenger environment.
The new vehicle is based on a platform developed in partnership with Zeekr, a subsidiary of Geely, and represents a significant evolution from Waymo’s existing Jaguar I-PACE fleet. The Ojai features a larger interior, flat cabin floor, lower step-in height, additional cargo capacity, and upgraded technology designed to support large-scale deployment. Waymo’s sixth-generation Driver system also uses a streamlined sensor configuration while maintaining the company’s safety standards and expanding its ability to operate in more challenging weather conditions.
Initial rider access will begin in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. Waymo plans to gradually expand availability over the coming months and has indicated that future deployments are expected in additional cities, including Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego. Initial rides in the Ojai will be offered free of charge while the company gathers rider feedback and continues the rollout process.
Waymo views the Ojai as a key component of its broader expansion strategy, helping the company scale robotaxi operations into more markets while improving rider comfort and operational efficiency. The launch also represents the first public deployment of Waymo’s sixth-generation Driver technology.
KEY QUOTE:
“We’re welcoming our first riders to experience the Ojai in the coming weeks. We’ve spent years creating a journey that feels less like a car and more like its namesake: an oasis on wheels.”
“While our employees have been enjoying fully autonomous trips in the Ojai for months, we’re excited to welcome our first public riders along for the ride to enjoy this next-generation experience.”
The Waymo Team, Waymo
