Waymo continues mapping Cincinnati streets ahead of possible self-driving car testing

Waymo continues mapping Cincinnati streets ahead of possible self-driving car testing Self-driving car company's moves raising hopes and concerns Advertisement Updated: 6:19 PM EST Nov 6, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Todd Dykes Investigative Reporter Waymo continues mapping Cincinnati streets ahead of possible self-driving car testing Self-driving car company's moves raising hopes and concerns Updated: 6:19 PM EST Nov 6, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Todd Dykes Investigative Reporter CINCINNATI — Waymo, a self-driving car company owned by Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc., has spent the last two months mapping Cincinnati streets, potentially setting the stage for testing autonomous vehicles with people in the backseat and no driver. Self-driving Waymo cars, which are mostly Jaguars with a spinning sensor on top, are already providing automated rides in 15 cities across the country, including Nashville. Mark Policinski, CEO of OKI, a regional planning group focused on future trends, expressed confidence in the technology and its arrival in Cincinnati. Advertisement "So this technology is, it's been practiced. It's tried, it's true. And it's safe," Policinski said. "They're already here. We're having contacts with the folks at Waymo. They're enthusiastic about coming here," he added. "Our hope is that a year from now, everyone will have the opportunity to drive, to be in a driverless car. And, let's keep our fingers crossed," Policinski said. Last week in Columbus, a lawmaker representing the Zanesville area introduced a bill that would allow driverless vehicles on Ohio roads and establish statewide regulations. While some are optimistic about the technology, others have voiced concerns about safety and the implications of autonomous vehicles. "It worries me not having a person behind the wheel as another driver on the road," said Wendy Fend of Hamilton County. "Like, I don't think I would want to take one. It feels just a little bit risky. I don't know, out of control, I think," said Abby Boente of Cincinnati. During a visit to Cincinnati's Smale Park, Valerie Newell stressed the importance of thorough testing before allowing driverless cars to carry passengers. "Entrepreneurs will come up with good ideas. And so this is an interesting idea, but it absolutely needs to be tested," she said. Another concern raised involves the human toll of self-driving vehicles, with Boente preferring the idea of paying a real person for a ride rather than relying on an automated driving machine. Make WLWT a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks Watch: Giant pandas make much-anticipated debut at Zoo Atlanta 19-year-old to become one of Massachusetts' youngest representatives in state history Dramatic video: Mother rescues man drowning 'We brought him home': A WWII soldier killed 82 years ago has finally been laid to rest