Waymo will begin offering select riders fully autonomous trips in its new Ojai vehicles in the coming weeks, introducing the first public rider experience powered by the 6th-generation Waymo Driver. The Ojai represents a new rider-first vehicle platform designed specifically for fully autonomous ride-hailing and builds on Waymo’s experience serving more than 20 million fully autonomous trips across more than 11 cities.
The Ojai introduces a new way to experience Waymo, combining a simplified, cost-effective vehicle design with expanded rider features and operational improvements. The vehicle will first become available to select riders in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix, with access expanding gradually to more riders and additional cities. Trips in the Ojai will be free for a limited time as Waymo gathers rider feedback and continues refining the experience.
Designed as a rider-first platform, the Ojai features an expansive cabin with increased leg room, three large adaptive screens and integrated conveniences including charging ports and cup holders. The vehicle’s elevator-like doors open into a spacious interior with a flat floor and low step-in height, creating an easier and more comfortable entry and exit experience. Riders will also find customizable in-vehicle controls, including temperature and audio settings, with additional rider features expected to be introduced over time.
Accessibility is integrated throughout the Ojai’s design, reflecting years of collaboration with riders and community partners. The vehicle includes a flat floor, low step-in height, braille, screen-reader compatibility, grab bars and a seat-integrated handle for added support when entering or exiting. These features are intended to make the fully autonomous ride-hailing experience more convenient and accessible for a broader range of riders.
The Ojai also includes several operational improvements designed to support large-scale autonomous ride-hailing. These include easier-to-clean interiors, faster charging, increased battery capacity and a more modular design to improve maintenance and repair efficiency. Waymo’s Arizona factory is now scaling toward a capacity of tens of thousands of units annually, beginning with the Ojai and followed by the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
While the Ojai introduces a new vehicle silhouette on city streets, the autonomous technology behind it is an evolution of Waymo’s safety-proven Waymo Driver. The 6th-generation Waymo Driver will enable fully autonomous operations in cities with snowier conditions and support Waymo’s continued expansion into more communities.
Waymo is preparing to scale its footprint nationally. After the initial rollout to select riders in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles, the company plans to gradually welcome more riders in the coming months and expand to new cities including Denver, Las Vegas and San Diego before opening access more broadly later this year. Interested riders can download the Waymo app and express interest in riding in the Ojai by signing up as Trusted Testers.
