Waymo in Phoenix: How Driverless Vans Are Quietly Becoming Normal

In Phoenix, Arizona, Waymo’s driverless ride-hailing service has been quietly reshaping daily life. While robotaxis may seem futuristic, for residents like Tim and Alicia Daniels, it's just another part of their weekly routine. “We use it to get groceries or go to brunch,” Alicia explains. “It’s not weird anymore—it’s just convenient.” Waymo’s fleet of autonomous vans has completed hundreds of thousands of rides across the metro area. Riders hail a car through an app, and the vehicle shows up without a driver. Equipped with lidar, radar, and 360-degree cameras, the vans navigate traffic, pedestrians, and intersections with minimal human oversight. Though some were skeptical at first, community feedback has grown more positive. Many users, especially those with mobility limitations or no access to a personal car, say the service has restored their independence. In neighborhoods like Chandler and Tempe, the vans are becoming a common sight. What makes Waymo work in Phoenix is not just the technology—it’s the seamless way it fits into everyday life. “I sometimes forget there’s no one driving,” Tim admits. “It just gets us where we need to go.”