SAN FRANCISCO — Alphabet-owned Waymo has launched an invite-only subscription program for frequent users of its autonomous ride-hailing service in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix, the company said on Thursday, marking its first membership offering as it expands robotaxi operations in the United States.
The new service, called Waymo Premier, will cost $29.99 per month and initially will be offered to tens of thousands of riders in the three cities, according to the company. Members will receive priority vehicle matching during periods of high demand, ride credits equal to 10% of trip costs, early access to service launches in new markets, and up to five free ride cancellations each month.
Waymo said the program is aimed at riders who use its service most frequently. “You spoke, and we listened to how we can offer an even more elevated experience for you, our top riders,” the company said in a statement announcing the launch.
The membership tier represents a new approach for Waymo as the company seeks to deepen engagement with customers who regularly use its driverless vehicles. The subscription will initially be limited to markets where rides are booked directly through the Waymo app. A company spokesperson said the benefits will not apply in cities such as Austin and Atlanta, where Waymo rides are currently accessed through the Uber platform.
Waymo operates commercial robotaxi services in several U.S. cities and has been expanding its footprint amid growing competition in the autonomous vehicle sector. The company has also begun introducing its new Ojai autonomous vehicle platform in select markets, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix.
Industry observers have noted that subscription programs are common among traditional ride-hailing companies. Uber offers its Uber One membership program, while other transportation platforms have introduced loyalty incentives to encourage repeat usage. Waymo has not disclosed how many riders it expects to enroll in the new program. Details about future expansion of the membership service beyond the initial markets remain unclear.
The company said invitations to join Waymo Premier began rolling out on Thursday through the Waymo app and email notifications. Waymo added that it plans to extend the program to additional cities where its app-based service operates as expansion continues through 2026.
