Waymo launches ‘Waymo for Business’
Waymo is rolling out a new service aimed at businesses, universities, and event organizers that could significantly expand the reach of its autonomous ride-hailing network. The Alphabet Inc.-owned company announced Wednesday the launch of “Waymo for Business,” an enterprise offering that enables organizations to provide employees, students, or event attendees with subsidized rides in its robotaxis.
The program is available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, where Waymo currently operates paid trips through its own consumer app. Companies using the platform can issue discount codes, track ride usage, and manage transportation budgets directly through the interface. Waymo is inviting organizations to sign up at no additional cost after testing the product with several partners, including used-car retailer Carvana Co., which has already offered Waymo rides to staff and event guests.
The move positions Waymo to capture a critical segment of the ride-hailing market: commuters. The company noted that one in six users in its active markets rely on its service for traveling to work or school. For comparison, Uber reported that commuting made up nearly 30% of its ride-hailing and delivery bookings in 2024, while Lyft said commutes comprised more than a third of total rides in the first quarter.
Enterprise ride programs are not new—Uber and Lyft have long offered corporate packages—but Waymo’s entry could help introduce autonomous vehicles to riders who might not otherwise choose them. By integrating with workplace and event travel programs, the company aims to normalize robotaxi use while keeping its fleet busy during peak and off-peak hours.
“Waymo for Business” builds on a series of adaptations designed to maximize utilization of the driverless fleet. In July, the company launched teen rider profiles, giving parents more visibility into their children’s trips. It has also partnered with Uber, Lyft, and Via Transportation to make its vehicles available through third-party platforms and even autonomous public transit pilots.
With its new enterprise service, Waymo is betting that mass adoption of self-driving technology may not come solely from individual early adopters, but from workplaces and organizations seeking efficient, cost-effective mobility solutions.
