TechCheck TechCheck Takes: Waymo’s co-CEO on 10 million Driverless Rides 6/5/25
Jun 5, 2025
Tekedra Mawakana, Co-CEO of Waymo, leads the charge in autonomous rides at Alphabet’s self-driving unit. She reveals that Waymo has achieved a milestone of 10 million driverless rides, showcasing rapid user adoption. The conversation dives into scaling this service with a focus on safety and community engagement. Tekedra discusses partnerships with Hyundai and Toyota, exploring the shift from car ownership to ride-sharing. She emphasizes how crucial consumer trust and regulatory frameworks are for advancing autonomous vehicle technology.
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Waymo's Rapid Growth Milestone
- Waymo reached 10 million fully autonomous paid trips across multiple cities, demonstrating real scale and user integration.
- The rapid doubling from 5 million trips within five months shows exponential growth and market acceptance.
Safety First Fuels Waymo Strategy
- Waymo prioritizes safety over cost, employing LiDAR and mapped routes to ensure a superior safety standard.
- Their fully driverless service developed over years sets them apart from competitors like Tesla.
Industry Safety Risks and Trust
- A major concern is that safety setbacks by any autonomous vehicle company could hinder the entire industry's progress.
- Transparency and proven safety records like Waymo's help build essential trust to avoid regulatory backlash.