Waymo Pilots Autonomous First-, Last-Mile Transit Connections

In an effort to alleviate the first-mile, last-mile problem many commuters face when using public transportation, Waymo is piloting a program in partnership with Phoenix’s Valley Metro to give employees and commuters free rides in its self-driving vehicles to nearby public transit stations.

Beginning this month, Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle unit, will be providing first- and last-mile transit connection for Valley Metro employees. The partnership will expand to include Valley Metro RideChoice travelers, which supports communities typically underserved with public transit options.

“Working together, we want to explore how self-driving vehicles could fill transportation and mobility gaps for riders across the Greater Phoenix area,” Waymo officials said in a blog post.

Related: Avis Budget Partners With Waymo’s Self-Driving Program