Waymo Opens Nashville Robotaxis to Teens as Young as 13
Waymo opens Nashville robotaxis to riders as young as 13, linking accounts to guardians as paid trips exceed 500,000 a week across its growing network.
Summary
Waymo said on September 22, 2026, that Nashville riders as young as 13 will be able to hail its autonomous vehicles, extending a teen account program launched in Phoenix in 2025. The Alphabet owned company calls Nashville the first of many teen launches planned within months for markets using the Waymo app, provided operations are mature and local regulations permit. Nashville leaders support the program, although Waymo only launched its 50-square-mile local service in April 2026 and added its robotaxis to the Lyft app earlier in September.
A parent or guardian must connect each account, after which teenagers can travel anywhere within Waymo’s Nashville service area and bring up to three guests ages 13 to 17. Waymo has not explained how it will verify ages. The program targets teenagers dependent on parents or public transit for school, work and activities, while giving families an alternative to teen driven cars. It also opens another growth channel after paid Waymo trips rose tenfold, from 50,000 weekly in May 2024 to more than 500,000 earlier in 2026. Waymo launched in 12 cities during that period, including Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego and Tampa in the past month.
Positives
- More than 500,000 paid weekly trips earlier in 2026 marked tenfold growth from 50,000 in May 2024.
- Teen accounts could provide transportation to school, work and activities without relying on parents, public transit or teen drivers.
- Up to three guests ages 13 to 17 can accompany a teen account holder anywhere within Waymo’s Nashville service area.
- Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego and Tampa joined Waymo’s network within the past month.
- Nashville leaders support teen access, while every account must be connected to a parent or guardian.
Risks & concerns
- Waymo has not disclosed how it will verify that account holders and guests meet the stated age requirements.
- Up to four minors can travel together in an autonomous vehicle, raising unresolved supervision and behavior concerns.
- Nashville service began only in April 2026, despite Waymo saying teen accounts will target markets with mature operations.