Waymo's Self‑Driving Cars Arrive In Portland To Start Testing

Portland Welcomes Waymo’s First Self‑Driving Vehicles

On April 28, 2026, the city of Portland, Oregon, saw a new kind of vehicle glide through its streets. A fleet of Waymo‑branded cars, the self‑driving arm of Alphabet’s Google, arrived in the Rose City to begin a fresh phase of testing. Instead of immediately cruising on autopilot, the company chose to drive the cars manually for the first few days. The goal is simple: let the vehicles learn Portland’s unique layout, from its iconic bridges to the rain‑slicked corridors that define the city’s rainy climate.

Why Manual Driving First?

Before a self‑driving car can navigate on its own, it needs a detailed map of the environment. Manual driving allows engineers to collect data on lane markings, traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and the quirks of local intersections. In Portland, where streets can be narrow and bridges often have steep approaches, this data is vital. By driving the vehicles themselves, Waymo’s teams can fine‑tune sensors and algorithms to handle the city’s distinctive traffic patterns.

Waymo’s Track Record and Safety Focus

Waymo has been testing autonomous vehicles for over a decade, starting with simple routes in California and expanding to more complex urban settings across the United States. The company consistently reports a 13‑fold drop in serious injury crashes compared to conventional vehicles in cities where it operates. “The Waymo Driver is built on a foundation of safety, demonstrating a 13x reduction in serious injury crashes in cities where it operates,” the company said. This safety record underpins the confidence the company and the city have in moving forward.

Portland’s Vision Zero Ambition

Portland’s Vision Zero program aims to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2030. The city’s leadership sees autonomous technology as a tool to reach that goal. “Bringing Waymo to Portland means supporting the city’s ambitious Vision Zero goals to eliminate traffic fatalities,” the company said. By reducing human error, self‑driving cars could cut the number of accidents that currently claim lives or cause serious injuries. The partnership between Waymo and Portland is therefore seen as a strategic step toward safer streets.

House Bill 4085: Laying the Legal Groundwork

For Waymo’s operations to expand beyond a limited test area, legislation must allow autonomous vehicles to operate more broadly in Oregon. House Bill 4085, introduced by Rep. Susan McLain and Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, would grant companies like Waymo permission to run self‑driving cars throughout the state, including in cities such as Portland. The bill represents a shift from experimental testing to a more open regulatory environment, aligning with the city’s safety goals.

What Residents Can Expect During the Test Phase

During the early manual‑driving stage, the vehicles will be visible on streets but will not yet serve passengers. Residents will see them parked at designated spots or moving slowly under the supervision of a human driver. The company will monitor traffic patterns, collect data on pedestrian interactions, and adjust its software accordingly. Local businesses along the route may experience temporary changes in parking or delivery schedules, but the company has coordinated with city officials to minimize disruption.

Potential Benefits Beyond Safety

Reduced accidents are only one part of the picture. Self‑driving cars can also improve traffic flow, lower fuel consumption, and cut emissions. In a city that values sustainability, the prospect of vehicles that optimize routes and reduce idling time is appealing. Moreover, autonomous taxis could offer mobility options for seniors and people with disabilities, expanding access to transportation without requiring a personal vehicle.

Addressing Concerns: Jobs, Data, and Privacy

Every technological shift invites questions. Some worry that autonomous vehicles could displace drivers or change the nature of the transportation industry. Others raise concerns about data collection, especially in a city that values privacy. Waymo has stated that its vehicles collect only the data needed to navigate safely and that personal information is not stored. The company also collaborates with local authorities to ensure that its operations meet community standards and regulatory requirements.

Future Outlook: From Testing to Service

Once the manual‑driving phase completes, Waymo will likely transition to autonomous operation in select routes. The city’s Vision Zero program could incorporate these services as a proof of concept. If the results are positive, the company may expand to other neighborhoods, and the state may adopt the provisions of House Bill 4085 to allow broader deployment. The timeline for full service remains uncertain, but the groundwork laid today could accelerate the arrival of commercial autonomous rides in Portland.

Community Reaction and Next Steps

Local media coverage and public forums have shown a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. Residents appreciate the potential safety gains but also want transparency about how the data will be used. City officials plan to hold informational sessions and provide updates on Waymo’s progress. Meanwhile, the company will continue to refine its technology through ongoing testing and community engagement.

Looking Ahead: A Safer, Smarter Portland

The arrival of Waymo’s self‑driving cars marks a significant milestone for Portland. By combining a proven safety record with the city’s Vision Zero aspirations, the partnership offers a promising path toward safer roads. As the manual‑driving phase unfolds, the city will gather evidence, address concerns, and set the stage for a future where autonomous vehicles could become a normal part of daily life. The journey from testing to service may take time, but each step brings Portland closer to its goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and creating a more efficient, inclusive transportation network.