First ride in a Waymo RoboTaxi

[1Kflyerguy]

We took our first ride in a Waymo RoboTaxi this past weekend. It was definitely different to have a car pull up without a driver and take you to your destination. It was nice to be able to select the music and temperature in the App.

We did it just for the experience, as it was a bit more expensive than the other rideshares like Uber and Lyft.

One odd thing was that it started to rain during our trip, and it took the car a long time to activate the windshield wipers. But I think those were just for us, not for robotics. There were also a couple of times when the taxi moved into the bus lane for an extended period in heavy traffic, which I'm not sure was allowed. None of the other ride-share cars were using the bus lane, which I assume they would do if it were allowed.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Thanks for sharing. This is on my list. Last time I tried to book one. SF was having an event so Waymos were not available that day.

ROFL about the windshield wipers - who would have thought?

 

[jp10558]

What is the business model if it's not cheaper than the existing rideshares? I imagine after one ride "for the experience" people will go back to whatever's cheaper.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

What is the business model if it's not cheaper than the existing rideshares? I imagine after one ride "for the experience" people will go back to whatever's cheaper.

I am not sure of their exact model; they are developing both the hardware and software used for driving cars. They have just been approved for more locations. Perhaps the costs will decrease as they scale up.

However, it is different to design both the hardware and software, as well as presumably own the vehicles. Uber and Lyft are really just software companies. The drivers provide their own vehicles and cover the gas and maintenance.

With Alphabet, i would not be surprised if the long-term plan is to use or license the technology in other ways, such as freight or deliveries.

In any event, it was fun to use, and I will keep the app installed as a backup, but the less expensive options will be my first choice.

 

[WaikikiFirst]

What is the business model if it's not cheaper than the existing rideshares?

It is technology. It will (should) be cheaper at scale, but they have to get the hardware right. Technology scales. Human drivers do not.

I imagine after one ride "for the experience" people will go back to whatever's cheaper.

Once again, someone doesn't take into account the preferences of many (majority) of youngish urban consumers. Many of them see it as a social statement ... both good & bad, depending on the individual.

I think it was Vinod Khosla. let me check ... yup, here it is
"Vinod Khosla urged Google (Alphabet) to dramatically increase its investment in Waymo, believing the robotaxi market could become larger than Google's core search business. He argues that self-driving technology will eventually surpass human driving due to superior economics, safety, and scalability.
Khosla called for "tens of billions of dollars per year" in investment to secure what he sees as a potential trillion-dollar business. "
Basically he said what I said about profits: "Technology scales. Human drivers do not."

 

[WaikikiFirst]

the taxi moved into the bus lane for an extended period in heavy traffic, which I'm not sure was allowed.

It must have been programmed by a real cab driver, like the one I had once who called himself "7 Minute Charlie". He claimed "I can get you anywhere in the city in 7 minutes, at any time".

 

[Brett]

I am not sure of their exact model; they are developing both the hardware and software used for driving cars. They have just been approved for more locations. Perhaps the costs will decrease as they scale up.

However, it is different to design both the hardware and software, as well as presumably own the vehicles. Uber and Lyft are really just software companies. The drivers provide their own vehicles and cover the gas and maintenance.

With Alphabet, i would not be surprised if the long-term plan is to use or license the technology in other ways, such as freight or deliveries.

In any event, it was fun to use, and I will keep the app installed as a backup, but the less expensive options will be my first choice.

I might try it if Waymo gets to Tampa - Florida .... but only for a very short distance !

 

[zentraveler]

We took our first ride in a Waymo RoboTaxi this past weekend. It was definitely different to have a car pull up without a driver and take you to your destination. It was nice to be able to select the music and temperature in the App.

We did it just for the experience, as it was a bit more expensive than the other rideshares like Uber and Lyft.

One odd thing was that it started to rain during our trip, and it took the car a long time to activate the windshield wipers. But I think those were just for us, not for robotics. There were also a couple of times when the taxi moved into the bus lane for an extended period in heavy traffic, which I'm not sure was allowed. None of the other ride-share cars were using the bus lane, which I assume they would do if it were allowed.

I think only taxis and emergency vehicles are allowed in the bus lanes and not the ride shares or Waymo. Surprised that a Waymo would be doing that.

As someone who drives in SF where the Waymo's have multiplied like rabbits I try to avoid them when driving. They are extremely cautious drivers programed, I am sure to go exactly the speed limit - fine - but they are also prone to getting flumoxed when in a situation that really requires an actual human who can think outside the box or the programming. I have also seen them run red lights and one recently ran over the much beloved cat of a local dive bar (on 16th St). Much newspaper copy about that one, flowers and candles outside the bar etc.

I personally take the ride shares with real people driving them and nothing to do with price (I thought the Waymo's were cheaper). Just don't see the appeal.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Has anyone tried to Zoox yet? They look like fun if you have a bunch of friends for an evening out. I see them on the streets training in my DDs neighborhood in SF.

Amazon's Zoox robotaxis service to give free rides in San Francisco as its expansion accelerates

Amazon’s Zoox will start giving free robotaxi rides through parts of San Francisco as it accelerates its attempt to challenge Waymo’s early lead in the race to transport passengers cities in self-driving vehicles.

apnews.com

 

[Soccer Canada]

We have not been in a Waymo, but seen them all over Phoenix this past couple of weeks. One element that always frustrates me with Uber/Lyft is you book a trip and the driver takes 10-15 minutes to move in your direction, so the ETA just keeps climbing. This is really bad on Walt Disney World property when they all congregate at the Speedway close to the Boardwalk Resort, takes sometimes 20 minutes for the driver to finish lunch/drink whatever and head in your direction. Can't imagine this is an issue with Waymo, likely the ETA for when you will be picked up and when you arrive has to be pretty solid beside things they can't control like traffic/weather conditions.

 

[Hindsite]

I've just paid far too much to park at the pod parking at Heathrow T5 as I love going on the pods . I'm not sure about driverless cars yet.....

 

[zentraveler]

Has anyone tried to Zoox yet? They look like fun if you have a bunch of friends for an evening out. I see them on the streets training in my DDs neighborhood in SF.

Amazon's Zoox robotaxis service to give free rides in San Francisco as its expansion accelerates

Amazon’s Zoox will start giving free robotaxi rides through parts of San Francisco as it accelerates its attempt to challenge Waymo’s early lead in the race to transport passengers cities in self-driving vehicles.

apnews.com

I see them also but have not tried. I will say this for Waymo, they are prettier than some of the upcoming competitors!

 

[emeryjre]

Waymo plans on selling its autonomous vehicle driving system to other car manufacturers

The more cities it gains approval for with its system

The larger the market for its Autonomous Driving System

It is a race with Tesla and Nvidia to be the top dog in this market

For Tesla analysis, view the EV thread here at TUG

Spirted discussions aplenty

Waymo and Hyundai enter multi-year, strategic partnership

Today, Waymo and Hyundai Motor Company announced they have entered into a multi-year, strategic partnership.

waymo.com

 

[Elan]

Has anyone tried to Zoox yet? They look like fun if you have a bunch of friends for an evening out. I see them on the streets training in my DDs neighborhood in SF.

Amazon's Zoox robotaxis service to give free rides in San Francisco as its expansion accelerates

Amazon’s Zoox will start giving free robotaxi rides through parts of San Francisco as it accelerates its attempt to challenge Waymo’s early lead in the race to transport passengers cities in self-driving vehicles.

apnews.com

I was just in Vegas with golf buddies and Zoox were all over near the MGM properties. They were apparently offering free test rides in a limited radius. We were going to try one, but by the time we decided to do it, rain had started and had apparently grounded the fleet.

Sent from my Pixel 9a using Tapatalk

 

[emeryjre]

Background on Zoox

Zoox Robotaxis Hit the Streets – Watch the Driverless Revolution

Amazon has officially entered the driverless race—its Zoox robotaxis are hitting public roads. These sleek, bidirectional electric pods have no steering wheel or driver’s seat, and are purpose-built for fully autonomous rides. Starting in Las Vegas, Zoox will operate within a 5-mile radius...

engineerine.com

 

[CO skier]

Zero trust in self-driving vehicles

Google Search

"At one point, it (Waymo vehicle) just turned into oncoming traffic."

 

[bizaro86]

What is the business model if it's not cheaper than the existing rideshares? I imagine after one ride "for the experience" people will go back to whatever's cheaper.

I’ve used it a number of times in San Francisco. Every time I checked both Uber and Waymo it was slightly more to take a Waymo, but the difference was less than I would tip so the all-in cost was lower.

The vehicles were also newer and cleaner than the average Uber, and not having someone else (driver) in the car means I can visit more freely with my companion.

I'd pay extra as I like everything about it better.

 

[CO skier]

I'd pay extra as I like everything about it better.

Until it turns into oncoming traffic. Maybe you just get lucky.

I will not risk my life with Waymo AND save a few bucks with Uber ... or whatever human driver.

 

[TolmiePeak]

What is the business model if it's not cheaper than the existing rideshares? I imagine after one ride "for the experience" people will go back to whatever's cheaper.

The Waymos are far safer than human driven cars. They will be able to charge a premium as your risk of severe injury is far less.

 

[TolmiePeak]

Until it turns into oncoming traffic. Maybe you just get lucky.

I will not risk my life with Waymo AND save a few bucks with Uber ... or whatever human driver.

Waymo is way safer. Half of humans are below average drivers.

 

[bizaro86]

Until it turns into oncoming traffic. Maybe you just get lucky.

I will not risk my life with Waymo AND save a few bucks with Uber ... or whatever human driver.

Human rideshare drivers do crazy stuff all the time. Imo more frequently than a waymo.

 

[CO skier]

Waymo is way safer. Half of humans are below average drivers.

Very few humans (Uber, taxis, et. al.), drive into a lake and leave their passenger(s) afloat like Waymo sometimes does.

 

[CO skier]

Human rideshare drivers do crazy stuff all the time. Imo more frequently than a waymo.

Great, "Your opinion" which is worth what? Nothing.

Statistics please, instead of "imo"

 

[amycurl]

visit more freely with my companion.

Is that what the kids are calling it these days?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[jp10558]

The Waymos are far safer than human driven cars. They will be able to charge a premium as your risk of severe injury is far less.

Cite source please. Right now, most people already 100% accept the risk of a human driver, whether it's them or a taxi or rideshare etc. The self driving is new and plenty of people think it's far more dangerous just because we don't have anywhere near the numbers / statistics to even begin to estimate the actual risk. I mean this both in how people feel, and technically - we have untold trillions of miles of human drivers and about 100 years of accessible statistics on a yearly basis for human drivers.

I also think that as things are RIGHT NOW, there's other risks - people have posted about rideshare taking a ride but then not coming anywhere in the time estimated by the app (I haven't experienced that too often, but I have seen it, and I don't even use the apps very much, so I'd guess it has to be pretty prevalent to show up for me), however I'm pretty sure a rideshare driver isn't going to shut down because it's started raining, unlike some of the self driving taxis in reports.

To charge a premium based on safety statistics alone is going to be a bit of an uphill battle IMHO - it will have to actually, unambiguously show that - and even then, we know with planes that while they're way safer than driving, other things also come into play. The same issue will be here - they have to be all weather reliable. They have to stay nicer than the average rideshare (it's easy to say on launch day they're all new, but how much vandalism will happen because there's "no one there", how much rougher will people be, and just time will wear them just like existing rideshare vehicles. They have to get past people's prejudice of non-human drivers, and get past people's desire to "help out another human" / "provide a job" vs send all that money to the corp. And they have to get way more widely available than they are right now. One sales pitch of rideshare is you have one or two apps and can use it in any city. Waymo is "usable" in what, 5 cities? I'm not getting a special app for that lol.