**A Journey in a Waymo Robotaxi: Accessible, Secure, and Unexpectedly Intricate**
While some individuals can overlook reckless driving behavior, I cannot. I detest it and often find myself expressing my frustration, much like Grandpa Simpson.
As both a pedestrian and a motorist, I’ve encountered too many near-misses with inattentive drivers. Just the other day, I observed in disbelief as a driver halted at a red light, then continued through the intersection before it changed to green—all while fixated on their phone. The current state of driving is genuinely concerning.
Given such encounters, you may think I would be a staunch supporter of self-driving vehicles. Residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, I even have the chance to experience one firsthand. Since mid-2024, Waymo has been providing completely autonomous rides to paying customers in San Francisco. The company has also broadened its services to Los Angeles and Phoenix, with intentions to launch in Atlanta and Austin later this year.
### The Potential of Robotaxis
Firms like Waymo assert that their self-driving vehicles can eradicate the risks posed by human error. Envision a society devoid of reckless speeding, rolling stops that require pedestrians to leap back, or intoxicated drivers threatening lives. Autonomous vehicles, engineered to adhere to traffic regulations strictly, could render roads far safer.
While this notion is enticing, as a journalist, I naturally remain doubtful—especially when vast sums of money in private and shareholder investments are on the line. Additionally, viral clips and news articles often spotlight robotaxi incidents. Waymos have collided with concrete barriers, aimlessly circled airports, and even invaded oncoming traffic lanes.
With these apprehensions in mind, I chose to experience a ride in a Waymo myself to determine if the reality aligned with the expectations.
### How It Feels to Ride in a Waymo
I summoned a Waymo in downtown San Francisco via the company’s app. Upon entering the electric Jaguar I-PACE, I was aware of what to anticipate: no driver, yet a steering wheel that would autonomously adjust as the vehicle progressed. Ideally, the journey would be uninterrupted. Nonetheless, if an issue arose—like a sudden malfunction—I’d depend on remote customer service through a console in the back seat.
As I got comfortable, soothing “spa” music emanated from the speakers. It calmed me—until the car needed to make a left turn across oncoming traffic. Having heard that Waymos can be excessively cautious, I was taken aback when mine executed a daring, human-like maneuver. The vehicle deftly maneuvered into a narrow gap between a delivery truck and another car, echoing my own nerve-wracking experiences driving in New York City. Fortunately, no one honked or scolded my driverless vehicle for cutting them off.
From there, the ride was remarkably smooth. The Waymo halted at each intersection, and a display in front of me showcased what the car’s sensors recognized—gray figures symbolizing pedestrians, vehicles, and other obstacles. Human drivers often overlook pedestrians, so witnessing this remarkable level of awareness instilled my confidence in the technology.
However, I did observe that the Waymo opted for a longer route to my destination, the Chase Center. The system considers multiple factors, including roadwork and traffic patterns, yet unlike a human operator, it doesn’t permit passengers to suggest an alternate route.
The 2.75-mile journey took 17 minutes and cost $20.02. A Google Maps estimate indicated that a human driver would have covered a shorter, 12-minute path spanning just 2 miles.
I took two additional Waymo rides that morning. After traveling 6.2 miles over the course of an hour, I had expended nearly $50. Later that day, I opted for a human-driven ride-share covering a similar distance and was charged only $10.99, including tip.
### Is the Waymo Premium Justifiable?
For some passengers, the higher price of a Waymo may be warranted.
Jeffrey Tumlin, a regular Waymo rider and former director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, shared that many women and trans individuals prefer Waymo for safety considerations. Unlike human ride-share drivers, a Waymo won’t question their gender identity, engage in uncomfortable discussions, or create feelings of insecurity.
As a woman who has occasionally felt unsettled in a ride-share, I comprehend the attractiveness of paying more for a Waymo in specific contexts. However, this does not imply that robotaxi journeys are completely devoid of harassment.
Last year, a female Waymo passenger in San Francisco found herself unable to continue her ride when two men obstructed the vehicle, demanding her phone number. She had to reach out to Waymo’s customer service for help.
### The Tradeoffs of a Driverless Future
Some individuals may also favor Waymo for the solitude. Unlike a human-driven ride-share, there