Waymo has launched the first driverless robotaxi rides on US freeways, expanding its service in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles. The Alphabet unit said freeway trips will begin on Wednesday for users who have opted in to its new services and features. Rides will be available at all hours.

The company plans to extend access to more riders over time but did not give a schedule for expanding highway routes to other markets. The move shifts Waymo’s offering from testing to commercial freeway operations and strengthens its position among US autonomous ride providers.

Waymo said freeway access may result in shorter trips because its vehicles will no longer need to avoid highways. The company’s rivals are also testing highway driving, but until now their services have required human safety staff inside the vehicle. Tesla recently began offering some freeway routes in Austin with a monitor in the driver seat. It also uses an in-car monitor on non-highway routes, positioned in the passenger seat. Tesla is separately testing a new self-driving Cybercab, which it aims to begin producing in April.

Outside the US, WeRide offers some monitored robotaxi rides on highways in Abu Dhabi.

Waymo said it uses the same software and sensor systems for both its urban and highway operations. The company added that its freeway capabilities were developed through closed-course trials and simulation work. According to Waymo, the system is trained to manage uncommon and expected road situations. Its cars are designed to travel at highway speeds and will leave the freeway to stop in a safe location if necessary.

The company is also expanding its Bay Area coverage to San Jose, including service to San Jose International Airport. Waymo cars will pay the same airport access fees as other taxis. The company said it continues to work with San Francisco International Airport, where it is approved for testing.

Waymo’s fleet includes 1,000 vehicles in the San Francisco Bay Area, 700 in Los Angeles, 500 in Phoenix, 200 in Austin and 100 in Atlanta. The company said the addition of freeway service is not expected to increase congestion in these regions.