The autonomous vehicle company Waymo announced a partnership with a navigation app to detect potholes using its operating cars in a pilot program, according to an April 9 news release.
Waze, a satellite mapping software, partnered with Waymo to provide up-to-date information about potholes in cities where the autonomous car company operates, including Austin, according to the news release. Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, owns both companies. The gathered data will be available to the city and state Departments of Transportation, as well as Waze app users.
“We want to build on the safety benefits of our service by partnering with organizations and city officials to help improve the infrastructure we all depend on,” Ariella Fleisher, the policy development and research manager for Waymo, wrote in the news release. “Waymo’s mission is to be the world’s most trusted driver; we’re also committed to becoming a trusted partner to the cities we serve.”
Waymo vehicles have been available to Austin residents through the Uber app since early 2025, according to a company news release. Waymo’s service currently spans from North Austin to South Austin, encompassing the Domain and the University campus.
“We have long desired increased data sharing from AV companies as they expand operations and gather data throughout the transportation network, and this pilot is a positive step to more collaboration between AV companies and local government,” Brad Cesak, a senior public information specialist for Austin Transportation and Public Works, wrote in an email.
Austin has 8,000 lane miles of streets, according to the city of Austin’s website. Cesak wrote that the data received from this program could help determine where the city should dedicate its efforts to maintain and improve street quality.
“City staff have received the first batch of data, and we are validating the accuracy of the information provided as this could inform future services and investments through our pavement maintenance programs,” Cesak wrote.
Austin residents can request the city to fill potholes or repair sidewalks by contacting Austin 3-1-1 by phone call, through the app or by submitting an online request, according to the city website.
“Cities like Austin have already developed several strategies to track and respond to potholes,” Ethan Teicher, a communications officer for Waymo, wrote in an email. “This partnership aims to provide Austin and other cities with an additional, free source of data about potholes on their roads to help bolster the tools they already have.”
