Waymo has initiated fully autonomous ride-hailing services connecting riders directly to and from the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) starting today. This launch makes Waymo the first fully autonomous service to provide airport transportation within both San Antonio and the state of Texas.

Seamless Airport Integration for Autonomous Travel

Drop-off and Pickup Logistics

Passengers utilizing the Waymo service can now be dropped off directly at the terminal curbsides for departures. For arrivals, pickups are conveniently located within the airport’s designated rideshare area.

This new airport access links travelers to Waymo’s already extensive service footprint in the city. The current service area spans over 60 square miles across San Antonio.

Key Service Locations Included

The established service zone already encompasses major city landmarks and areas. These include downtown, the popular River Walk, the Alamo, the convention center, North Star Mall, and the fairgrounds.

A Milestone for San Antonio Transportation Innovation

Airport Officials Embrace New Technology

Airport leadership views this integration as a significant advancement in modernizing the city’s transit infrastructure. Jesus Saenz, director of airports for the City of San Antonio Aviation, commented on the development.

“San Antonio International Airport is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovation,” Saenz stated. He added that this achievement represents a major milestone for Waymo, the city, and all travelers using the airport.

Rider Demand Drives Expansion

Waymo executives confirmed that providing airport access was frequently requested by their current ridership base. Arica Gately, head of airport partnerships and business development for Waymo, expressed pride in meeting this need.

“Providing a safe and reliable ride to and from the airport is one of the most requested uses for Waymo riders, and we’re proud to bring that capability to San Antonians,” Gately noted. She emphasized that this expansion further solidifies connections across the region’s overall transportation network.

Safety and Company Background

The Role of the Waymo Driver

The company highlights that its autonomous driving system, known as the Waymo Driver, is engineered to enhance safety. This technology aims to mitigate risks associated with common human driving errors, such as distraction or impairment.

Waymo cites extensive operational data supporting its safety record. According to the company, data collected over more than 170 million rider-only miles demonstrates significantly fewer serious crashes compared to human drivers. This includes reductions in incidents involving pedestrians and injuries.

Company Growth Context

Waymo originated as Google’s self-driving car project back in 2009. Today, the company operates thousands of autonomous vehicles across the nation, facilitating over 500,000 paid trips weekly.

The increasing operational scope in San Antonio reflects the sustained demand for autonomous transit solutions, now extending directly to the airport terminals.