Waymo sees a potential revenue stream in extending its service region to include Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport, noting that approximately 20% of manually operated ride-hail trips are made to airports. As the industry contracts, IT stocks fall, and the outlook for the economy darkens, AV companies are under tremendous pressure to start making money.
Since the beginning of 2017, Waymo has started using its vehicles in several Phoenix-area suburbs, including Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, and Gilbert. Additionally, it operates Waymo One, a for-profit ride-hailing service that combines vehicles with and without safety drivers. Earlier this year, the business increased its service area to encompass downtown Phoenix.
