After Miami and Orlando, another Florida city will have driverless rides this fall: DeSantis' announcement

Florida’s push into autonomous transportation continues with another city joining Miami and Orlando in offering driverless rides this autumn, according to Governor Ron DeSantis. The announcement was made during a press release issued on Monday, August 10, confirming that Tampa will soon have access to fully autonomous vehicles operated by Waymo. This expansion marks a key step in the state's broader strategy to integrate advanced mobility solutions into its transportation network. The rollout of autonomous ride services has already taken root in parts of Florida, with Waymo launching operations in Miami and Orlando earlier this year. These cities became the first in the state to offer fully self-driving taxi services, allowing residents and visitors to travel without human intervention. Now, Tampa is set to follow suit, bringing the number of U.S. cities with such capabilities to three within the same state. According to DeSantis, the service will become available in Tampa in the coming months, with the exact launch date yet to be determined. Waymo’s deployment in Miami and Orlando was preceded by extensive preparation, including mapping efforts, passenger-only test runs, and safety training sessions involving local emergency personnel. These steps were necessary to ensure the safe operation of autonomous vehicles in urban environments. The governor emphasized that similar measures will be undertaken in Tampa before the service goes live. He also highlighted the importance of these initiatives in shaping the future of transportation in Florida. In addition to expanding ground-based autonomous transport, DeSantis announced support for the development of aerial mobility solutions, known as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). These include electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, often referred to as “flying cars.” The state is working with companies like SunTrax Air Ground to explore how these technologies can alleviate traffic congestion and restore regional air connectivity. The initiative aims to provide new transportation options while reducing reliance on traditional road networks. SunTrax Air Ground currently operates a controlled testing environment designed to simulate real-world conditions for autonomous vehicle technology. This includes high-speed autonomous testing tracks, simulated weather scenarios, urban settings, crosswalks, slopes, and other elements essential for evaluating emerging transportation systems. The company has been actively supporting the integration of connected and automated vehicles into Florida’s infrastructure, ensuring they meet regulatory and safety standards. To further bolster the workforce needed to sustain these advancements, DeSantis revealed partnerships between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Polk State College. These collaborations aim to develop training programs for professionals in fields such as piloting, maintenance engineering, and technical support. The goal is to prepare a skilled labor force capable of managing the complexities of next-generation transportation systems. The governor expressed confidence in Florida’s ability to lead in adopting cutting-edge mobility solutions. “For the end of this year, Florida will be actively testing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft,” he stated. “Meanwhile, SunTrax Air Ground is actively testing and supporting the deployment of autonomous and connected vehicles.” These developments underscore the state’s commitment to innovation and its role in shaping the future of transportation nationwide.