Waymo, Via to Offer Autonomous Public Transit Rides in Arizona

Core Insights - Via Transportation Inc. has partnered with Waymo to launch autonomous shared rides in Chandler, Arizona, starting this fall [1][2] - The initiative aims to enhance the existing Flex service, allowing users to book driverless rides during high demand periods [1][2] Group 1: Company Developments - Via Transportation Inc. went public last Friday and is focusing on expanding its public transit software capabilities [1] - Waymo, a self-driving unit of Alphabet Inc., is expanding its public partnerships to introduce autonomous services in new cities [2] Group 2: Service Details - The driverless rides will be available during the same operating hours and at the same price of $2 per ride as the city's Flex program [3] - Waymo's integration into Chandler's transit program aims to improve vehicle utilization while providing affordable transportation options [3] Group 3: Technology and Compliance - Via has implemented demand-matching and routing technology for the Flex service since the partnership began in 2022, allowing city officials to monitor performance and meet federal compliance requirements [2]