Alphabet's driverless unit will deploy a commercial taxi fleet in Tokyo in partnership with GO and Nihon Kotsu. The project marks Waymo's first commercial operation in Asia, with service beginning in 2027. Passengers can book trips through the GO or Waymo applications for rides in vehicles that are completely driverless from the first day of service.

The rollout begins on a small scale and will eventually expand to approximately 100 vehicles across primary Tokyo neighborhoods. Local taxi firms are utilizing autonomous technology to address severe labor shortages caused by Japan's shrinking and aging population. The expansion extends the US market leader's autonomous-driving presence beyond North American cities.