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Waymo and Lyft share one robocab fleet as fully autonomous rides expand across Nashville
Lyft and Waymo have launched fully autonomous passenger rides through the Lyft app in Nashville, giving customers access to the same Waymo fleet available through Waymo’s own platform.
The Tennessee capital is the first market where Waymo vehicles can be booked across both apps. Lyft customers selecting Standard, Priority Pickup, Wait & Save or Extra Comfort may be matched with an autonomous vehicle at no additional cost.
Eligible journeys must begin and end within Waymo’s Lyft service area, which covers Downtown and Broadway, North Nashville and Germantown, East Nashville, Midtown and South Nashville. Vehicle availability will increase gradually over the coming weeks.
Lyft and Waymo will dispatch vehicles dynamically from a single fleet across their respective networks. Riders can decline an autonomous vehicle when offered one or opt out of autonomous rides entirely.
Human drivers will continue to operate within and beyond the service area, creating a mixed network of driver-operated and fully autonomous vehicles. Lyft said it regards autonomous vehicles as an additional layer of supply rather than a replacement for its existing driver base.
Sid Patil, Head of Rideshare at Lyft, said: “Nashville riders have been quick to embrace autonomous vehicles as part of how they get around the city. Adding Waymo vehicles to our marketplace is a natural fit.
“Lyft and Waymo are joining hands to bring this amazing piece of technology to more riders in a seamless way.”
Waymo said the arrangement would expand access to its autonomous driving technology as the company increases its Nashville fleet.
Nicole Gavel, Senior Director, Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Waymo, said: “Our goal is to bring the safety, reliability, and magic of the Waymo Driver to as many people as possible.
“Partnering with Lyft gives Nashvillians even more ways to experience fully autonomous rides, whether they’re booking directly on the Waymo app or getting matched on Lyft, as we scale our fleet across Music City.”
Lyft subsidiary Flexdrive will manage the Waymo fleet on the ground. It is due to open a purpose-built 80,000-square-foot Nashville depot in October, supporting vehicle maintenance, charging and daily fleet operations.
The facility is expected to create more than 70 full-time jobs in Nashville during 2026, including technician, fleet operations and service coordinator roles. Lyft said several recruits previously drove on its network and would bring experience of passenger expectations and rideshare operations.
The launch has potential implications for driver earnings and vehicle utilisation as autonomous supply is introduced alongside human drivers. Lyft said it has held Driver Autonomous Forum sessions and a driver event in Nashville to discuss the deployment and available earnings tools.
Yuko Yamazaki, Head of Driver at Lyft, said: “Nashville is a hub for travelers, event goers, and visitors, and our drivers here deliver a level of hospitality and service I’m incredibly proud of.
“Demand in this city keeps climbing, and I believe we’re strongest in serving more riders when autonomous vehicles and human drivers grow side by side.”
