In recent years, the landscape of urban transportation has been evolving, with autonomous vehicles making significant strides. Among the leaders in this sector is Waymo, which is expanding its robotaxi services in major US cities, including San Francisco.
Waymo’s Robotaxi Service in San Francisco
Waymo has been operating driverless taxis in San Francisco since 2022. The company opened up its service to the public last year. This makes it one of the most accessible locations for riders interested in autonomous vehicle technology.
Experience with Waymo
During a recent business trip to San Francisco, I decided to utilize Waymo’s services. I needed to travel approximately 12 minutes from my hotel near Union Square to a meeting. The fare for this trip was about $16, slightly higher compared to other ride-hailing services.
- UberX: ~$13
- Lynn: ~$10 (with a promotional discount)
Despite not needing to pay a human driver, Waymo’s pricing appeared less competitive than Uber or Lyft during busy hours, particularly in the morning.
Visibility and Availability of Waymo Vehicles
While in San Francisco, it was impossible to ignore the numerous Waymo vehicles on the streets. In just a few minutes, I observed multiple Waymo cars passing by, indicating their growing presence in the city.
Ride Experience
Upon hailing my ride, I faced a minor inconvenience: the vehicle had parked further than expected. According to Waymo, the pickup location is determined by various factors, ultimately prioritizing safety and convenience.
My Waymo vehicle, an electric Jaguar I-Pace, featured a console screen that provided real-time updates during the ride. A safety video prompted me to buckle my seatbelt as soon as I entered the car.
Safety Features and Comfort
The experience of riding in a driverless car was surprisingly comfortable. I observed the steering wheel move as the car navigated city streets without any human intervention. A display in the car even showed situations such as yielding to pedestrians.
Furthermore, passengers can adjust settings such as music and air conditioning through the vehicle’s interface, adding to the convenience of the ride. Upon arrival at my destination, the trunk automatically opened for easy access to my belongings.
Conclusion: Cost Comparison and Future Rides
Overall, my experience with Waymo was positive. However, I found the pricing to be less competitive compared to Uber and Lyft. In the future, I will likely compare fares before opting for Waymo again. As the technology develops and expands, I remain open to exploring more rides with Waymo, particularly in its growing list of service areas.
