Residents in northwest Atlanta say empty Waymo robotaxis have been repeatedly circling their streets in the early morning hours for weeks. The driverless vehicles, part of a commercial fleet operated by the Alphabet-owned company, have drawn complaints from locals who report the cars passing by every few minutes before sunrise.
Early morning loops
People living in the area describe seeing the white-and-green Waymo cars — with no one inside — traveling the same residential blocks starting around 4 a.m. The pattern repeats for up to an hour, neighbors told local media. Some residents have posted video clips on social media showing the vehicles moving slowly through the quiet streets, their rooftop sensors spinning.
The phenomenon has been occurring consistently for several weeks, according to multiple accounts. One resident said she set her phone to record the street at 5 a.m. and captured three different Waymo vehicles passing her house within 10 minutes. None appeared to be carrying passengers.
Residents' concerns
Neighbors have expressed frustration over the noise and the eerie feeling of empty cars gliding past their homes. The robotaxis produce a low hum and sometimes stop mid-block before proceeding, which some residents say wakes them up.
No official explanation has been provided by Waymo. The company has not responded directly to the reports, and no cause has been confirmed. Local police say they have not received formal complaints about the activity, though some residents say they have called the city.
Unanswered questions
It is unclear why the robotaxis are circling those specific streets. Possible explanations include the vehicles repositioning for upcoming trips, running software tests, or encountering navigation issues in the area. Waymo has not disclosed details about its fleet operations in Atlanta, where it launched a limited public service earlier this year.
The company's website notes that its vehicles are designed to optimize routes and avoid congestion. But the repeated early-morning loops in the same residential blocks have left residents asking for a more concrete answer. Some have called on city officials to request data from Waymo about the vehicles' behavior.
For now, the nightly rounds continue. Residents say they plan to raise the issue at the next neighborhood association meeting.
