HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Waymo’s self-driving taxis are already raising eyebrows weeks after the company announced they would be coming to Houston.
Several have been spotted idling on residential streets in north Houston for days at a time.
Eyewitness News spotted one on Moody Street on Monday afternoon.
Mary Lewis said she first noticed it on Dec. 11, but has never seen it driving.
“I just want to know why they are parked here,” she said.
Lewis said the car sat on Moody Street for five days before disappearing.
“I was really relieved, I mean, there are kids that live in the neighborhood, like, it’s just weird that it’s there all the time,” she said.
But then she said the car returned a week later.
Eyewitness News saw another one parked on Wynne Street less than a mile away.
Up close, you can hear the electric motors whirring on both cars. Roof-mounted sensors spin continuously.
“I just want to know why they’re doing it,” Lewis said.
Eyewitness News reached out to Waymo, which responded with the following statement:
“Waymo vehicles use publicly available parking spaces when needed between trips. We do this because driving around without passengers would unnecessarily add to congestion and be an inefficient use of the vehicle.”
Not all neighbors are bothered by the idling vehicles.
“If it makes others feel better, I’d have no problem with it parking in front of my house,” Esmeralda Sifuentes said.
But Lewis questions why it has to park in front of anyone’s house.
“Waymo’s big enough that they could purchase a lot, like, there are lots around here for sale or whatever,” Lewis said.
A city ordinance prohibits vehicles from occupying the same spot on a public street for more than 24 hours, and violations are punishable by a $30 fine.
Eyewitness News asked the city if it had had any problems with Waymo vehicles violating the ordinance, but the city has yet to respond.
Waymo said its rides are currently only available to Waymo employees, but plans to offer them to the public sometime early next year.
For news updates, follow Luke Jones on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Copyright © 2025 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Niko Travis is a dedicated health writer with a passion for providing clear, reliable, and research-backed information about medications and mental health. As the author behind TrazodoneSUC, Niko simplifies complex medical topics to help readers understand the benefits, uses, and potential risks of Trazodone. With a commitment to accuracy and well-being, Niko ensures that every article empowers readers to make informed decisions about their health.
