Waymo Struggles to Stop for School Buses

Waymo’s robotaxis have recorded 24 safety violations involving school buses in Austin since the 2025 school year began, despite a voluntary software recall issued after a federal investigation. The Austin Independent School District reported 19 incidents of Waymo vehicles not stopping for buses, prompting a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) probe. Following a software update, four additional violations occurred, including one where a robotaxi passed a stopped bus with children nearby. Waymo also faced backlash after a vehicle struck a child in Santa Monica, and the Austin ISD has requested that Waymo halt operations near schools during bus hours, which the company has declined to do.

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