Google/Alphabet-owned ride-hail firm Waymo has started operating a fully driverless ride‑hailing service in Miami, Florida.

Services will also be introduced in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Orlando in the coming weeks, with a wider public rollout for passengers in those markets targeted for 2026.

The company uses its “Waymo Driver” system, which it describes as a generalisable autonomous driving platform based on its AI technology.

In a statement, Waymo said: “We compare our driving performance against a proven baseline to validate the performance of the Waymo Driver and identify any unique local characteristics. As needed, we then refine the Waymo Driver’s AI to navigate these local nuances - which are becoming fewer with every city.

“This data feeds into a flywheel of continuous improvement, bolstered by rigorous validation through real-world driving and advanced simulation, then implemented through regular software releases. The result is that all of our riders experience consistent, high-quality service with the highest safety standards.”

Waymo is also working with partners to help it manage autonomous vehicle fleets at scale, extending the use of its technology more widely.

The launch in Miami marks the latest step in the company’s effort to expand its autonomous ride-hail operations into new US cities and markets worldwide.

In June, Waymo outlined plans to extend its autonomous ride‑hailing service into new areas of the San Francisco Peninsula and Silicon Valley in California.

Last month, the company said it would launch fully autonomous ride‑hailing services in London from next year.

London will be Waymo’s first European city and its second international city alongside Tokyo.