Waymo Opens Robotaxi Rides to Teenagers in Nashville
Waymo will let riders as young as 13 use its robotaxis in Nashville, its second teen market, with more cities planned.
The company began its teen account program in Phoenix last year, and according to Waymo more cities are likely to follow. A Waymo spokesperson told TechCrunch that the Nashville expansion will be the "first of many" teen launches across multiple markets that use the Waymo app in the coming months. The spokesperson said teen accounts will be offered in cities where Waymo's operations are mature and local regulations allow it.
Nashville is a relatively new market for Waymo, although the company has support from local leaders there to offer the service to teenagers. Waymo launched service in a 50-square-mile area of Nashville in April 2026, and earlier this month its robotaxis became available on the Lyft app.
Waymo's ridership has climbed sharply over the past two years, a trajectory driven largely by the rapid addition of new markets. Paid robotaxi trips grew tenfold, from 50,000 per week in May 2024 to more than half a million per week earlier this year. Over the same period Waymo launched robotaxi services in a dozen cities, including Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego and Tampa in the past month alone.
Teen accounts give the company another route to growth, aimed at riders who otherwise depend on parents or public transit to reach school, work or activities. The account must be connected to a parent or guardian, but once it is activated, teenagers can hail autonomous rides anywhere in Waymo's Nashville service area and bring friends along. Waymo told TechCrunch that teen account holders can bring up to three guests ages 13 to 17. The company did not share how those ages would be verified.
TechCrunch reported that the level of access could invite disruption, but also may appeal to parents who would rather see their children ride in a Waymo than in a vehicle driven by a teenager.
Editor's Summary
Waymo is extending its robotaxi service to riders as young as 13 in Nashville, its second teen-account market after Phoenix, with more cities expected in coming months. The move follows rapid ridership growth and a series of new market launches, and adds a younger customer base that previously relied on parents or public transit. Waymo has not said how it will verify the ages of teen riders or their guests.