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Alphabet’s autonomous ridehailing arm is integrating with the maps service of Google, the holding company’s favorite child.
How does it work?
In a sense, Google Maps is treating Waymo as a new transportation modality. In supported areas, after inputting directions, Maps users will have the option to tap the ridehailing/transit tabs. They’ll see the estimated Waymo fare and time of arrival. Then, users can book a fully autonomous ride through the Waymo One app.
Where are the supported areas? Geofenced sections of Metro Phoenix—parts of Chandler, Mesa, and Tempe—where Waymo is operating driverless Chrysler Pacificas.
Who can use it? Green texters for now. One would expect the service to become available on iOS eventually, so Waymo/Google Maps could expand the total addressable market for the feature. On the other hand, exclusive robotaxis on Android is a nice competitive advantage.
Big picture: We have a long-running theory that Maps could evolve into a mobility and travel super-app. See examples here. —RD