WASHINGTON — Self-driving cars could be navigating Washington, D.C., streets as early as next year as Google's autonomous vehicle company Waymo lays the groundwork for a possible rideshare service launch in 2026.

The company is currently testing its technology in the District, mapping the city's street grid for its automated driving system. Waymo vehicles, which look like regular cars but operate without drivers, have been spotted throughout the city, including on 16th Street in Northwest on Thursday.

"Our hope is to serve riders next year," said Ethan Teicher, Waymo spokesperson. "We provide 250,000 trips every week. We drive about 2 million fully autonomous miles every week, and we just want to bring this technology and the benefits to D.C."

For now, human safety operators remain insi

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