Waymo Resumes San Antonio Robotaxi Operations After Flooding Shutdown

Waymo has brought its autonomous ride-hailing service back online in San Antonio, roughly five months after pausing operations when one of its robotaxis was carried away by floodwaters. The company had halted service in April following the incident, which raised questions about how self-driving systems handle extreme weather.

The restart marks a notable step for Waymo as it works to expand its driverless footprint across U.S. cities. San Antonio’s return follows a period of review and adjustments, though the company has not detailed specific changes to its weather-response protocols.

Flooding remains a challenging scenario for autonomous vehicles, as standing water can obscure road markings, sensors, and hidden hazards. Waymo’s decision to resume service suggests the company has addressed at least some of the operational concerns that led to the pause.

The move comes as Waymo continues to scale its robotaxi business in competitive markets, balancing expansion ambitions with the need to demonstrate safety and reliability in unpredictable conditions.