In some American cities, you can now summon a driverless car through an app, taking you to your destination without any small talk or awkward moments. No incorrect turns, no need for tips, and certainly no lingering smells from cigarettes.
In San Francisco, a Waymo ride averages about $8.17, whereas a human-driven Uber costs around $17.25. It appears that competition among robotaxis has officially arrived.
Living in Phoenix, I’ve noticed Waymo vehicles everywhere—from highways to parking lots. Sometimes, you find yourself waiting at a red light next to one, and it’s odd seeing it vibrate, completely empty inside. I haven’t tried it yet, but, well, maybe in a couple of weeks.
If I make it through that experience, I might even find it kind of amusing.
Who’s driving these cars?
Waymo, part of Alphabet (Google’s parent company), is currently leading the charge. By 2025, projections estimate around 15 million rides per year, a sizable jump from the 400,000 weekly rides right now. The company is valued at about $126 billion, operating in places like Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Atlanta, and Miami, with expansions planned for Dallas, Denver, Washington D.C., London, and Tokyo by 2026.
As for personal vehicles, Tesla initiated testing of its own version in Austin last June, but progress has been slower than expected. Only about 31 of their vehicles are currently in use, and every test ride still has a safety monitor onboard.
There’s also Zoox, which is owned by Amazon, bringing a unique concept with their handle-less pods that can move in both directions. You can catch a ride for free in Las Vegas and San Francisco while they await fare approval.
What do they actually look like?
Waymo relies on a combination of cameras, LIDAR, and traditional radar. This setup allows them to operate in darkness and heavy rain. In contrast, Tesla only employs cameras, although they have eight vehicles without riders, and their rates start at about $1.99 per kilometer.
But, are they safe?
This is a pertinent question. Waymo is currently in the spotlight due to a federal investigation stemming from a child accident. Tesla has reported seven crashes since its launch, while Waymo claims their vehicles reduce injury risk in accidents by 80% compared to human drivers. However, between 2021 and now, NHTSA recorded over 1,400 incidents involving Waymo, with 117 injuries and two fatalities along with three software recalls, one of which addressed issues related to stopping for school buses.
A friend of mine shared her experience in a Waymo; she was dropped off just shy of her actual destination. There’s no flexibility—just the car declaring, “We have arrived.” It’s a bit disconcerting, to be honest. But despite my intrigue, I also feel hesitant.
Challenges ahead
When a robotaxi encounters confusion, personnel at a remote center step in, monitoring via the vehicle’s cameras to guide it. During a Senate hearing in early February, Waymo revealed that some of the individuals providing this support are located in the Philippines. The senators weren’t impressed—and neither was I.
Interestingly, your personal car often sits idle 95% of the time, while robotaxis can operate for over 15 hours daily. They might eventually become more economical than traditional car ownership, turning it into a commitment that feels as valuable as a forgotten gym membership.
The road ahead seems to be veering toward a future where no one is driving.
Do you know someone who still considers self-driving cars a fantasy? It might be time to share this article with them. They’ll be hopping on that robotaxi soon enough.
