Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous unit, plans Japan’s first fully driverless taxi service in Tokyo by 2027, starting with a small electric fleet from GO Inc. and Nihon Kotsu and expanding to about 100 vehicles pending regulatory approval and technology validation.

The project is framed as a solution to Tokyo’s driver shortage and broader population decline, with riders booking rides via GO and Waymo apps for a driverless experience.

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Investors are advised to approach GO with caution due to profitability challenges, focusing on sales performance as a better indicator of valuation.

Alphabet stock rose after the announcement, closing up more than 3% on Nasdaq after earlier trading near the prior session’s levels.

Safety remains the top priority as the fleet undergoes a controlled rollout before broader deployment.

Leaders from Go and Nihon Kotsu stressed steady progress since late-2024 talks and described the collaboration as a crucial opportunity.

The public launch is targeted for 2028, with initial steps including regulatory clearance and rigorous testing.

Industry statements emphasize safety and position the project as a major test case for integrating driverless tech into an existing urban network.

Historical tensions between Waymo and Uber are noted as context for perceptions of current collaborations with GO and Nihon Kotsu.

Market and insider activity around GO show notable institutional buying, suggesting investor interest despite broader profitability concerns.