Waymo has pulled its robotaxis from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Miami freeways as it grapples with performance issues in construction zones. The move comes after software hiccups led to temporary halts in Atlanta and San Antonio due to flooding.

The suspension is part of an ongoing effort by Waymo to integrate new technical insights into its software. Despite the setback, the company remains optimistic about resuming services soon. Meanwhile, robotaxis are still running on surface streets in these major US cities.

Waymo's ambitious expansion plans include a goal of offering one million paid rides per week by 2026. This move to freeways was crucial for connecting riders to airports and reducing ride times. Freeway travel has significantly cut trip durations in the Bay Area, previously taking up to an hour.

However, Waymo's robotaxis have been observed struggling with construction zones. A video posted by user @Elliot_slade highlighted one instance where a Waymo vehicle allegedly sped through cones and was “chased” by police. This incident underscores the challenges of autonomous driving technology in dynamic environments.