Waymo launching robotaxi service in Denver. But only for its own workers.

Waymo announced Wednesday it is launching a robotaxi service in Denver limited to its own employees, a precursor to opening the service to the public later this year, the company said. Waymo spokesperson Sandy Karp said in an email that employee-only trips are the next phase before public availability, which is expected soon. Karp said Denver riders will be among the first to experience the Ojai, a minivan-like robotaxi built by Chinese automaker Geely featuring sixth-generation Waymo technology designed for snowier conditions. The Alphabet-owned company selected Denver last fall as one of its next launch cities alongside New York and Washington D.C. for cold-weather testing. Waymo currently offers public rides in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco. Service in Denver is limited to select neighborhoods including RiNo, Baker and Cherry Creek, with hopes to serve Denver International Airport in the future. Karp said the new phase follows several months of preparation including familiarizing the Waymo driver with the city and establishing local teams. Along with the Denver announcement, Waymo officials said Las Vegas, San Diego and Tampa are slated for employee service to begin soon.