Waymo to Launch Self-Driving Taxi Service in Madrid by 2027

Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous driving company, will launch a fully self-driving ride-hailing service in Madrid by 2027, marking its first operational expansion into the Spanish market. The headline number: Waymo's fleet already completes more than 500,000 paid trips weekly. That scale gives the company a running start as it prepares to deploy electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles on Madrid streets in the coming days.

Jaguar I-PACE to Hit Madrid Streets First with Trained Specialists

In the initial phase, Waymo will deploy Jaguar I-PACE electric cars in Madrid with trained specialists behind the wheel before transitioning to full autonomous operation. The rollout will follow the regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle testing set by Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT). The first phase is operational. But it sets the stage for a broader shift in Spanish urban mobility, with Madrid becoming Waymo's first operational market in the country.

Global Expansion Strategy Spans London, Tokyo, and Toronto

Madrid isn't an isolated move. It's part of a wider international expansion strategy. Waymo aims to launch services in London this year and in Tokyo during 2027 in partnership with Nihon Kotsu and Go, subject to regulatory approvals. The company also plans to enter Toronto in 2028 with Element Fleet Management. Is this enough to offset its historical reliance on the United States? Waymo already operates in more than 15 American cities, providing the base for its international push.

20 Million Paid Trips Strengthen the Expansion Case

On the operational front, Waymo confirmed its fleet completes over 500,000 paid trips per week, with total paid trips surpassing 20 million since launch. That figure reflects the expansion of its commercial services in the U.S. market. It also signals that autonomous driving technology can handle complex urban environments, giving the company added confidence as it transplants the model to Madrid and other European cities.

Global Competition in Smart Mobility Heats Up

Waymo's Madrid plan lands as global competition in smart mobility services accelerates, with new players entering and tech companies expanding their footprint. The company is leveraging advances in autonomous driving systems and growing interest in AI-powered transportation. With each new city, Waymo tests its operating model against different local regulations, a process that could shape the global autonomous taxi market in the years ahead.