Waymo’s autonomous vehicles officially began operating in Atlanta on June 24, 2025, in partnership with Uber, allowing riders to book fully autonomous electric Jaguar SUVs through the Uber app.
The introduction of these self-driving vehicles has stirred intrigue among residents, particularly given Atlanta’s notorious traffic and unpredictable infrastructure.
While early data suggests that Waymo’s vehicles have resulted in fewer crashes compared to traditional vehicles, it’s too soon to draw firm conclusions specific to Atlanta.
To gauge the impact of this new mode of transport, insights from various Atlantans highlight different perspectives surrounding Waymo’s launch.
During a personal ride experience, the journey was smooth and quiet, with straightforward controls and instructions.
However, an unsettling moment occurred when the car abruptly halted for five minutes without any explanation around 1 a.m., prompting mixed feelings about using the service after dark.
Although the car adhered to traffic laws impeccably, it sometimes dropped passengers off in locations slightly different from what the app indicated.
For many, this was a minor issue, but for individuals with disabilities, such inconveniences can represent significant barriers to safety and accessibility.
Maria Sotnickova (AICP), a certified city planner and data scientist at the Atlanta Regional Commission, expressed immediate concern regarding the vehicles’ accessibility.
As a power wheelchair user, she pointed out that such designs often overlook input from individuals with disabilities.
“They don’t consult people like me until after they’ve already designed the thing,” Sotnickova said.
Sotnickova stressed that accessibility is crucial and not simply an afterthought, highlighting that poor drop-off locations could be a deal-breaker for many riders.
Councilmember Byron Amos, chair of the transportation committee in District 3, was intrigued by the launch and the technology involved.
Despite his interest, he has yet to experience a Waymo ride himself, although he noted that the city has been in close communication with Waymo.
Amos indicated that feedback from the community has been mixed, with some excited to experience the ride while others are passionately opposed to autonomous vehicles in the city.
One of the challenges regarding regulations for autonomous vehicles lies in the authority being held primarily at the state level, which curtails Atlanta’s ability to enforce local regulations effectively.
Amos mentioned that the city is currently developing a comprehensive transportation plan that will address mobile transit options across the board, including walking, biking, and autonomous vehicles.
Questions have arisen regarding the vehicles’ ability to navigate Atlanta’s unpredictable traffic, especially during major events.
“What happens after a Falcons game? Or Beyoncé concert?” Amos queried, highlighting the complexities faced by autonomous vehicles in chaotic situations with mixed foot and vehicle traffic.
Equity in pricing is another concern for new autonomous services.
While Waymo currently charges the same fares as traditional Uber rides, Amos acknowledged that this could change, and he emphasized the need for equitable access to the service for everyone.
Kady DeWees, a resident of Atlanta, recounted an incident where she observed a Waymo vehicle trying to navigate through the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, inadvertently venturing into a chaotic scene surrounded by food stands and people.
The incident drew a gathering of marketgoers who helped to stop the car from moving further into the crowd, showcasing the limitations of the technology in understanding human dynamics.
Britton Edwards, COO of Atlanta Way 2.0, recalled witnessing another incident where someone struggled to access their Waymo ride, emphasizing the challenges some users face with the technology.
Despite the perception that such moments might be minor, they highlight the challenges autonomous vehicles face in unpredictable human environments.
Maxime Giordani, an Uber driver and an uncle to the author, pointed out the unique human connection established during rides.
He mentioned the meaningful conversations that often arise during long drives, sparking emotional openness that riders might not experience in a self-driving car.
Giordani expressed concerns about the capacity of autonomous vehicles to replicate these personal interactions, particularly in a bustling city like Atlanta where human nature and traffic dynamics require more than just advanced technology.
“I’ve been asking people [riders], and not one of them said they would feel comfortable taking a Waymo,” Giordani disclosed.
In conclusion, while questions loom about the safety and accessibility of Waymo’s service, the conversation surrounding the technology’s readiness for daily use continues.
It’s clear that as these vehicles hit the roads, Atlanta residents are not only observing from the sidelines but are actively shaping the dialogue about the future of transportation in their city.
image source from：saportareport
