Waymo and Waze have launched a partnership to use Waymo’s self-driving cars to detect potholes in Los Angeles and share the data with city officials and drivers. The program will leverage Waymo’s autonomous vehicles to gather real-time pothole data, which will be integrated into Waze’s navigation app to warn users and help the city prioritize repairs.
Core Facts
- Waymo and Waze announced a collaboration to detect potholes using self-driving cars.
- The data will be shared with Los Angeles city officials and displayed on Waze to alert drivers.
Deeper Dive & Context
Pothole Surge in L.A.
Los Angeles has faced a significant increase in potholes, with over 6,700 reported in January and nearly 5,000 in both February and March, according to data from the city’s 311 service. The city’s Bureau of Street Services has been slow to address the issue, repairing only 310 miles of road in fiscal year 2025, down from 850 miles in 2015.
Program Details
Waymo’s self-driving cars will collect pothole data, which will be verified by drivers in real time. Waze will then use this information to alert users and share it with city officials for repairs. The program is part of Waymo’s broader effort to improve road safety and infrastructure.
City Response
The Bureau of Street Services is in communication with Waymo regarding the pilot program. A spokesperson emphasized the bureau’s proactive approach to street maintenance, including preventive measures to reduce future potholes.
Broader Implications
The partnership highlights the growing role of technology in urban infrastructure management. While the program aims to streamline pothole detection and repair, the long-term impact on road maintenance efficiency remains to be seen.