HOUSTON – For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, autonomous vehicles will be part of the transportation plan for fans attending matches, with Waymo set to offer rides throughout Houston during the tournament.
This summer, Waymo’s self-driving vehicles will be available as one of several transportation options for visitors and residents traveling to World Cup events across the city.
Recommended Videos
The service will feature dedicated pickup and drop-off zones near Houston Stadium, themed in-car experiences for riders heading to matches, and multilingual app support designed to assist international visitors.
As Houston prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of soccer fans from around the globe, the tournament will serve as a high-profile test of how autonomous vehicles can help move large crowds during one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Waymo plans to provide service to major World Cup destinations throughout Houston, including match venues, Fan Fest activities, watch-party locations, and areas surrounding the stadium.
The company’s Houston service area recently expanded and now includes neighborhoods and destinations such as the Heights, Downtown, EaDo, Montrose, the Texas Medical Center, and other popular areas.
With millions of visitors expected across all World Cup host cities and transportation demand projected to reach record levels, Houston’s experience could offer insight into how autonomous vehicles may be incorporated into future large-scale events worldwide.
The World Cup is expected to bring a significant economic boost to Houston while placing increased demand on roads, parking and public transportation systems. City leaders and transportation officials are exploring a variety of mobility solutions to help visitors navigate the region during the tournament.
Waymo’s participation marks a milestone for autonomous vehicle technology, placing self-driving cars at the center of a global sporting event for the first time. The company has continued expanding its operations in Houston as it prepares for the influx of visitors expected during the World Cup.