Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company under Alphabet Inc., has initiated mapping operations in Boston, signaling a potential expansion of its self-driving taxi service into the city. Currently, Waymo has deployed a fleet of electric vehicles operated by human drivers to collect detailed street-level data across neighborhoods such as Mission Hill, East Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and South Boston.

This data collection effort aims to assess the feasibility of introducing fully autonomous rides in Boston, a city known for its complex road layouts, unpredictable weather, and dense pedestrian traffic. Waymo spokesperson Sandy Karp emphasized the company’s cautious approach, stating, “We like to have an understanding of a city before we commit.” 

While no timeline has been announced for the launch of autonomous services in Boston, this mapping initiative represents a significant step toward that goal. Waymo’s expansion into Boston would follow its existing operations in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. 

As the company continues to evaluate Boston’s suitability for autonomous vehicles, residents may notice Waymo’s electric vehicles navigating local streets as part of this preliminary phase.