Waymo robotaxi reportedly drove onto Phoenix light-rail tracks
A Waymo robotaxi reportedly drove onto light rail tracks in Phoenix, prompting a passenger to exit the vehicle. Valley Metro confirmed the incident, which caused no significant delays or injuries, and cited recent construction and the recent addition of light rail tracks as possible contributing factors.
What happened
A Waymo robotaxi drove onto northbound light rail tracks near Southern Avenue and Central Avenue in Phoenix on Wednesday, 8 January 2026, at approximately 9 a.m.
Video showed the vehicle stopped on the tracks as an oncoming light rail approached. A passenger exited the vehicle before it continued driving down the tracks near another train.
Construction was occurring in the area, and the light rail had been added within the last year, according to an ASU technology professor quoted in reporting.
Reported impact
The passenger reportedly felt compelled to flee the vehicle due to the incident.
Valley Metro stated the incident caused no significant delays and the scene was cleared by 9:15 a.m. after northbound and southbound trains exchanged passengers before reversing direction.
Index analysis
ASU emerging and transformative technology professor Andrew Maynard characterised the incident as an edge case where the system performed unexpectedly, noting Waymo vehicles are equipped with 29 cameras and update routes and systems weekly.
Maynard stated the construction in the area and the recent addition of light rail tracks could have contributed to the vehicle's route decision.
Governance controls
Valley Metro's Operations Control Center was immediately notified when the vehicle was observed on the tracks, and operations staff responded to the scene while Waymo was contacted.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.