Valley Metro and Waymo Announce Transit + Technology Partnership

Valley Metro and Waymo joined forces to introduce a new partnership that will help drive the future of transportation. Using Waymo’s self-driving vehicle technology, Valley Metro will participate in an innovative travel solution pilot that can be modeled across the country.

The event to announce the partnership occurred amidst two Waymo vehicles on either side of a light rail train at the Valley Metro Rail Operations and Maintenance Center in Phoenix.

“Technology is fueling a transportation revolution,” said Phoenix Mayor and Valley Metro Rail Chair Thelda Williams. “Valley Metro and Waymo are joining forces to pilot autonomous vehicle trips to better understand the purpose of real-life trips and connectivity. AV technology, combined with public transit’s expertise, will help bolster and reinvent transportation.”

Williams was joined today by Glendale Vice Mayor and Valley Metro Board Chair Lauren Tolmachoff to announce the partnership’s future possibilities.

“Having additional travel options enhances quality of life for current and future generations and creates greater independence for seniors and people with disabilities,” said Tolmachoff.

Valley Metro will begin utilizing the self-driving vehicle technology for first and last mile transit trips next month.

“This is the first partnership between a public transit system and a private autonomous vehicle company that will provide a mobility service outside of a controlled environment,” said Scott Smith, Valley Metro CEO. “Think of it as the start of mobility on demand or mobility as a service.”

“Waymo is honored to be involved in the exploration of new transportation solutions with Valley Metro,” said Shaun Stewart, Waymo chief business development Oofficer. “We’re excited to learn how self-driving vehicles may connect people to public transit and help fill some mobility gaps across the greater Phoenix area.”

At today’s event, light rail rider and Waymo Early Rider Samantha Jackson, spoke on how she and her family use the self-driving vehicle service to travel to their favorite destinations.

“Even though my husband bought me my dream car last December, I would honestly like it to be my last car,” said Jackson. “I have kids and I would love it if they would never have to own a car.”

She said she hopes that the partnership between Valley Metro and Waymo really takes off and she’s glad to be a part of it.

“This is a tremendous leap forward as the public transit industry transforms as the integrator and the backbone of a multi-modal system,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas.  “Congratulations to Valley Metro and Waymo for providing the leadership and a practical test pilot example of how to integrate this technology which may someday be replicated by many transit agencies across the country.”