Waymo: NTSB Opens Probe Over School Bus Incidents with Robotaxis

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the U.S. federal agency responsible for transportation safety, has launched a formal investigation into Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary. This action follows a series of incidents in Austin, Texas, where Waymo’s robotaxis reportedly bypassed stopped school buses.

The Allegations

According to the NTSB, Waymo’s driverless vehicles have violated safety regulations at least 19 times since the start of the 2025-2026 school year. These violations involved proceeding past school buses that were stopped with their lights flashing and stop-arms extended, a maneuver prohibited by law in nearly all U.S. states to protect students.

Did You Know? The investigation focuses on incidents involving Waymo robotaxis and school buses in Austin, Texas, with data being collected from the Austin Independent School District’s bus cameras.

The investigation will specifically examine the interaction between Waymo robotaxis and school buses loading or unloading students. NTSB investigators will travel to Austin to gather data, analyze video footage – much of it captured by cameras on Austin Independent School District buses – and evaluate Waymo’s autonomous driving software, known as Waymo Driver.

Recent Software Updates

This investigation comes weeks after Waymo issued a voluntary recall in December 2025, affecting over 3,000 vehicles. The recall was initiated to update the software in response to similar problematic behaviors. Despite this update, violations continued to occur after December 10, 2025, according to reports from the Austin Independent School District (AISD).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began a preliminary examination of Waymo vehicles near school buses in October 2025, following similar incidents reported in other cities, including Atlanta.

Escalating Federal Oversight

The NTSB’s decision to open a formal investigation represents an escalation in federal oversight of autonomous driving technologies, particularly when the safety of children is involved. Waymo has stated that “no accidents or collisions” occurred during these incidents and that its system “navigates safely in complex environments.” The company has also pledged full cooperation with authorities.

Expert Insight: The repeated instances of Waymo vehicles failing to appropriately respond to stopped school buses highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving reliable autonomous operation in real-world scenarios, particularly those requiring nuanced interpretation of visual cues and predictable responses to vulnerable road users.

Waymo currently operates fleets of robotaxis in several U.S. cities, including Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, and continues to expand its service despite ongoing safety concerns.

Challenges for Autonomous Systems

The case raises broader questions about the maturity of Level 4 autonomous driving technology – systems that operate without a human driver – in high-risk, real-world scenarios like school bus stops. Experts in the field emphasize that recognizing intermittent visual signals (flashing lights, extended arms) and predicting human behavior remain complex challenges for artificial intelligence applied to mobility.

What’s Next?

The NTSB investigation could last between 12 and 18 months, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days. A possible next step could involve recommendations for Waymo to improve its software or operational procedures. Further restrictions or mandatory testing requirements could also be imposed, potentially slowing the company’s commercial expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the NTSB investigation?

The NTSB launched the investigation after Waymo’s robotaxis were reported to have bypassed stopped school buses in Austin, Texas, at least 19 times since the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

Has Waymo addressed these issues previously?

Yes, Waymo issued a voluntary recall in December 2025 for over 3,000 vehicles to update software related to recognizing and responding to stopped school buses. However, violations continued after the update.

What is the potential duration of the NTSB investigation?

The NTSB investigation is expected to last between 12 and 18 months, with a preliminary report anticipated within 30 days.

As autonomous vehicle technology continues to evolve, how will regulators balance innovation with the paramount need to ensure public safety, especially for vulnerable populations like schoolchildren?