Are Autonomous Taxis Coming Soon to Chicago?

Autonomous taxis—robotaxis—use artificial intelligence (AI) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems with laser pulse sensors to drive without a human, aiming to improve safety, ease traffic, and reduce emissions. People ask, “Are autonomous taxis coming soon to Chicago?” Our car accident attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, have an update for you.

What U.S. Cities Have Robotaxis?

According to Statista, robotaxis currently operate in cities like Austin, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Atlanta, with companies like Waymo and Cruise leading the way. These services are expanding as autonomous technology and regulations progress.

What Is the History of Waymo?

Waymo, launched by Google in 2009 as a self-driving car project, became a standalone company under Alphabet in 2016. After starting public rides in 2020, it has grown rapidly—completing over 4 million rides in 2024 alone, with 700+ cars. Now providing 200,000 weekly rides, Waymo has become a prominent symbol in tech-focused cities like San Francisco.

What Problems Have Robotaxis Had?

In 2025, Forbes Magazine reported Waymo “recalled” 1,200 robotaxis to fix minor issues, like hitting small objects, via an over-the-air software update completed months earlier. No injuries or major damage occurred. Similar updates are routine for companies like Tesla and Cruise, with a “recall” often tied to federal reporting rules.

When Are Autonomous Taxis Scheduled to Be Available in Chicago?

As of now, there’s no confirmed date for the deployment of driverless taxis in Chicago. While the city has been proactive in embracing smart city technologies, and companies like Waymo and Cruise are expanding their services, it’s unclear when self-driving taxis will hit Chicago streets.

Regulatory approval, infrastructure development and readiness, and solving technical challenges are key factors that city officials say will determine the timeline for autonomous taxi services in the Windy City.

How Does Chicago Compare with San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles in Readiness for the Driverless Taxi?

While San Francisco and Phoenix are already piloting self-driving taxi services, implying a higher level of readiness for this new kind of mobility service, Chicago has yet to debut such programs. However, its proactive approach in adopting smart city technologies could fast-track its prep.

Los Angeles, while not as advanced as Phoenix or San Francisco, is also on Waymo’s list, indicating it may be slightly ahead of Chicago in preparation for autonomous taxi implementation.

What Barriers Does Chicago Face in Adopting the Robotaxi?

In adopting autonomous taxis, Chicago will grapple with barriers in infrastructure, regulation, and technology.

Regulatory Hurdles

This includes meeting the stringent safety and operational regulations for autonomous vehicles.

Infrastructure Upgrades

This includes ensuring the city and street infrastructure is fit for autonomous vehicle navigation.

Public Acceptance

This entails overcoming the status quo and skepticism regarding autonomous taxis and promoting social acceptance for them.

What Does Chicago’s Experience with E-Scooters Tell Us?

Chicago’s experience with e-scooters provides insight into public receptivity, infrastructure needs, and regulatory challenges that could mirror the city’s experience with autonomous vehicles. It serves as a smaller-scale test case for the deployment, testing, and integration of new transportation technologies.

1. Public receptivity: e-scooters have been well-received in Chicago, indicating openness towards innovative transportation solutions.
2. Infrastructure needs: the e-scooter rollout highlighted the importance of adequate infrastructure, like dedicated lanes, for safe operation.
3. Regulatory challenges: the e-scooter experience underscored the need for comprehensive and adaptable regulations for emerging technologies.

How Safe Are Autonomous Taxis?

The safety record of autonomous taxis and motor vehicles is still under scrutiny.

Waymo’s study shows its self-driving cars outperform experienced drivers, including those with advanced driver assistance systems. While the results highlight the safety potential of autonomous vehicles, the data is limited to urban areas with favorable weather. Waymo has not yet operated in snowy or rural conditions, which present unique challenges.

Who Is Accountable When a Vehicle in Self-Driving Mode Injures Someone?

Accountability in accidents involving autonomous vehicles is a complex issue. Generally, it depends on who—or what—was behind the steering wheel or in control at the time of the incident.

If the vehicle’s autonomous systems were in control, the manufacturer could potentially be held liable. Alternatively, if a human driver had the opportunity to take over but failed to do so, they could bear responsibility.

What Is the Illinois Safe Autonomous Vehicle Act?

The Safe Autonomous Vehicle Act (IL HP2913) is still under review and would:

• Allow motor vehicle manufacturers to begin autonomous vehicle projects, following self-certification and notification to the Secretary of State
• Require manufacturers to set the project’s geographical boundaries, maintain incident records, and provide periodic summaries to regulatory bodies
• Require manufacturers to insure participating fleets and assume liability for any system-caused incidents
• Require operators of autonomous vehicles to meet the act’s eligibility requirements

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help the Victims of Accidents Involving Self-Driving Cars?

A car accident lawyer can be a valuable ally for you when you or a loved one is a victim of an accident involving a driverless car. They help you navigate this very new and complex legal terrain, which can include both the company that manufactured the vehicle and the human operator.