WAYMO SUSPENDS FREEWAY DRIVING OVER SAFETY CONCERNS

Customers discovered the suspension Thursday when opening the Waymo app to find freeway trips no longer available. Routes that previously took minutes on highways now route through local roads, significantly extending travel times. The autonomous vehicle company cited construction zones as the primary reason for the nationwide freeway pause. The suspension affects all existing Waymo service areas across the United States. Separately, Waymo halted operations in Atlanta and San Antonio due to unresolved issues related to flooded roads in those regions. The moves represent a precautionary step as Waymo continues to refine its autonomous driving systems. The company has not announced a timeline for restoring freeway service or operations in the affected cities. Waymo operates robotaxi services in multiple US markets, including Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.