SAN ANTONIO — Waymo is expected to resume autonomous ride-hailing service in San Antonio this week after the company suspended operations following two flood-related incidents involving its driverless vehicles, according to company information and prior statements.
Waymo paused service after an April 20 incident in which an unoccupied vehicle was swept into Salado Creek by floodwaters. The suspension also followed an earlier incident in which another unoccupied Waymo vehicle became stranded in floodwaters near McCullough Avenue and Contour Drive. No injuries were reported in either incident.
The company said the suspension marked its longest service pause in San Antonio and that it used the period to review flood monitoring procedures and safety protocols. Waymo said it would evaluate how its vehicles respond to flood-prone areas and severe weather alerts before restarting operations.
The incidents highlighted challenges for autonomous vehicle systems operating in rapidly changing weather conditions in San Antonio.
Waymo also operates in 11 other U.S. cities, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
The company launched service in San Antonio in February in a limited service area covering about 60 square miles.