Waymo plans to offer fully autonomous passenger rides in the Madrid region in 2027, joining Spain’s robotaxi testing program while a rival group works toward an earlier commercial launch.
Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) lists a national testing authorization for 16 Waymo SAE Level 4 robotaxis. That authorization covers trials; Waymo says it needs separate permits before offering commercial rides.
Waymo said Oct. 20 that it expected electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles to begin traveling on local roads with human drivers within days. Later, trained local operators will supervise tests of the autonomous system from inside the vehicles. The company named Madrid City, Alcobendas and Getafe as initial driving areas.
The trials fall under Spain’s ES-AV framework for testing automated vehicles on public roads before they enter service. Waymo says the staged driving will help its system adjust to local roads, signs and traffic patterns.
The DGT register also lists 20 SAE Level 4 robotaxis authorized for testing under AVOMO CARS (WeRide & Uber). WeRide, Uber and AVOMO said Sept. 10 that they aimed to begin commercial operations by the end of 2026. Their target depends on completing deployment work and meeting regulatory requirements.
Under that partnership, WeRide supplies autonomous-driving technology, Uber provides its platform and AVOMO handles fleet operations. WeRide has described the Madrid region as part of its wider European expansion.
Waymo said in its Oct. 20 announcement that it had completed more than 20 million trips across its existing operations. Its international plans also include first passenger rides in Toronto in 2028.
Waymo has not announced a date within 2027 for Madrid rides, fares or a final commercial service area. Its next step is to secure the permits needed to carry passengers commercially.
