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NTSB Investigates Waymo Vehicles Passing Stopped Austin School Buses

The National Transportation Safety Board investigates over 20 incidents of Waymo robotaxis illegally passing stopped school buses despite software recalls and updates.

  • On Friday, the National Transportation Safety Board opened an investigation into Waymo after robotaxis passed stopped school buses, focusing on more-than-20 incidents in Austin, Texas, with a preliminary report due in 30 days.
  • Company software updates and a December recall have not stopped the illegal passes, as Waymo vehicles repeatedly failed to stop for Austin, Texas school buses captured on bus-mounted video.
  • Austin Independent School District asked Waymo to halt operations during school bus times, provided bus models for study, and said it would explore "any and all" legal options; Waymo told KVUE on Jan. 14 it continues reviewing the data.
  • The NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation opened a related inquiry in October while the National Transportation Safety Board investigates, though the NTSB cannot issue fines and only offers non-binding recommendations as Waymo expands across the United States.
  • With buses stopped and stop arms extended under Texas law, drivers are required to stop; Mauricio Peňa, Waymo's chief safety officer, noted no collisions and claimed superior safety performance, while Austin Independent School District expressed frustration and raised broader safety questions.
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FreightWaves broke the news in on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
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