Waymo, the self-driving car unit of Google, is preparing to launch an autonomous taxi service in Madrid, according to Diario AS. The move would put driverless vehicles on the streets of the Spanish capital.
The arrival is part of a wider push by several companies into Madrid's autonomous transport market. Expansión reports that driverless cars from Google and Uber have begun circulating in the city, describing the situation as a robotaxi battle.
Other operators are also targeting Spain. El Mundo reports that Bolt plans to join the rollout of autonomous vehicles in Madrid by 2027, working with Nvidia and the US company Lucid.
ABC frames Madrid as a testing ground for the European development of driverless vehicles, suggesting the city's role could extend beyond hosting a single service.
The reports do not specify a launch date for Waymo's Madrid service, the size of the fleet, or the areas of the city it will cover. Pricing and regulatory approval details were also not included in the coverage.
Madrid's emergence as a site for robotaxi trials reflects growing competition among technology and transport firms seeking to establish autonomous services in European cities. The companies involved have not disclosed how they will divide the market or whether their services will operate under shared platforms.
What to watch next: official confirmation from Waymo and Madrid authorities on timelines, permits and the first public rides.
