Lyft has officially launched robotaxi services featuring Waymo’s fully driverless vehicles in Nashville, marking its first commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles without human safety drivers. Through a partnership with Waymo, Lyft manages fleet readiness, maintenance, and infrastructure via its subsidiary Flexdrive. Customers in Nashville can request Waymo robotaxis either through the Waymo app or the Lyft app, which matches riders based on availability. This development follows Lyft’s prior autonomous vehicle collaborations with Aptiv (now Motional), May Mobility, Baidu, and Waymo in other cities, but it represents a significant step as Lyft re-enters robotaxi operations after selling its own autonomous tech unit to Toyota for $550 million in 2021.

Lyft’s return to autonomous mobility highlights its evolving strategy to expand these services globally, focusing on markets that support hybrid networks of AVs and human-driven cars. Jeremy Bird, Lyft’s executive vice president of growth, indicated that 2027 will see diversification and expansion of Lyft’s robotaxi partnerships, particularly in London with Baidu and other international locations where regulatory conditions support AV deployment. Bird emphasized Lyft’s transition from a U.S.-centric company to one with a global focus, which shapes its approach to rolling out autonomous vehicles in new cities.

In addition to Lyft’s robotaxi milestone, several mobility companies raised significant funding this week. The Boring Company secured $3 billion led by the United Arab Emirates, valuing it at $23 billion as it expands tunnel projects in Dubai. Kenya-based ARC Ride raised $33.3 million to grow its battery swap network, Beep closed a $20 million Series B to accelerate autonomous shuttle deployments, and Munich’s Fryte Mobility raised $4 million to develop software for electric truck charging logistics. Porsche sold its stakes in Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group for about 1 billion euros, dedicating a portion toward pension obligations.

The article also notes the increasing relevance of defense technology expertise in automotive hires, with Ford recruiting professionals from companies like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin to bolster its strategy. Globally, autonomous vehicle advancements continue as Pony.ai and Verne initiate driverless test rides in Europe and Asia, while Spain issued its first Level 4 AV operating permits to companies including Uber partners WeRide and Avomo. The landscape reflects rapid progress and investments in autonomous and electric mobility, with Lyft now a confirmed contender in the commercial robotaxi market.