Same Driver, new vehicle: Welcoming our first riders trips in the Ojai

Waymo has started welcoming its first public riders to experience the Ojai, a fully autonomous vehicle designed for ride-hailing. The vehicle features an open cabin with a flat floor and low step for easier access, along with customizable in-cabin experiences such as temperature and media controls. The Ojai is the first vehicle to use Waymo’s 6th-generation autonomous driving system, which builds on over 20 million fully autonomous miles driven across 11 cities. The company plans to scale production to tens of thousands of units annually at its Mesa, Arizona factory.

The Ojai incorporates accessibility features such as embedded braille, screen-reader compatibility, and a seat-integrated handle for additional support. These design choices reflect input from riders and community partners, ensuring the vehicle meets diverse mobility needs. The vehicle’s charging infrastructure is also streamlined to support both rider convenience and fleet operations. Waymo emphasizes that the Ojai is part of a broader effort to expand autonomous ride-hailing services nationwide.

Waymo will initially offer free rides to select riders in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles to gather feedback on the Ojai experience. The company plans to gradually expand access to more riders over the coming months, with additional cities including Denver, Las Vegas, and San Diego expected to join the program later this year. The goal is to eventually make the service available to a wider audience.

Interested riders can sign up as Trusted Testers through the Waymo app to express interest in experiencing the Ojai. The rollout follows months of employee testing and represents a step toward scaling Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing network. The company has not disclosed pricing for public rides beyond the initial free trial period.