Uber and Waymo have announced a new partnership that introduces autonomous vehicles (AVs) to the streets of Atlanta, covering an extensive area of 65 square miles from the Capitol View neighborhood through downtown and into Buckhead.
Initially, the fleet will consist of a few dozen vehicles, but both companies have plans to gradually expand the coverage area and the number of operating vehicles as they assess rider usage and prioritize safety.
This new service operates similarly to any standard Uber ride. Riders can use the Uber app to request rides in traditional categories such as UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric. During the booking process, there’s a chance for these riders to be matched with a Waymo AV at no extra cost.
Riders will receive alerts every time a Waymo vehicle is dispatched, giving them the option to either accept it or request a conventional vehicle.
While it isn’t possible to specifically request a Waymo vehicle, users can increase their chances of securing an AV by opting into the feature through the Ride Preferences section of the Uber app settings.
Upon arrival, each Waymo vehicle will be identifiable by its initials displayed on the dome atop the car. Riders will use the Uber app to unlock the vehicle and commence their journey once it arrives.
Inside the Waymo vehicle, riders will be able to view their journey on a screen that displays the map and estimated time of arrival. An automated voice system will notify passengers about important milestones during the ride and remind them to collect their belongings before exiting.
Passengers have the freedom to engage in other activities during the journey, such as conversing with fellow riders or making phone calls, while the Waymo AV navigates the roads by adhering to speed limits and all relevant traffic laws, including yielding to pedestrians.
If any issues arise during the ride, riders can access 24/7 human support through both the Uber app and directly from the Waymo vehicle itself.
In terms of services, riders will be able to rate their experience just like they would in any other Uber trip, but there will be no option to tip the Waymo drivers. Pricing will remain consistent with other Uber categories, ensuring that rates will align with those of UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber Comfort Electric.
Although the Waymo vehicles operate independently, traditional Uber rides will still be available within the coverage zone, allowing users the flexibility of choice.
While Waymo vehicles do not feature a human driver, riders are restricted to the backseat or passenger seat. It’s important to note that rides in Waymo vehicles will only be obtainable through the Uber app in Atlanta, even though Waymo has its own ride-hailing application, Waymo One.
This initiative isn’t the first collaboration between Uber and Waymo. They previously launched a similar service in Austin and are also preparing to do so in Miami. Waymo currently operates in several major cities, including Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
So far, Waymo’s fleet in Austin has expanded to include 100 vehicles, and the companies project that hundreds of AVs will also be deployed in Austin and Atlanta over the next few years.
Since the launch in Austin, there has been a notable 50% increase in the prevalence of zero-emission electric Uber trips. Furthermore, Waymo trips in Austin have received an impressive average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5.
Safety concerns continue to be a significant topic surrounding autonomous vehicles. Waymo, claiming over a decade of experience with 70 million miles driven, emphasizes its commitment to creating a safer, more accessible, and sustainable mode of transport without the necessity of a human driver.
Despite this experience, Waymo has faced challenges, including recalls and accidents — one of which involved a fatality in San Francisco; however, Waymo was cleared of fault in that incident, as reported.
An incident in Atlanta also raised eyebrows when a Waymo vehicle bypassed barriers intended to close off a car-free Streets Alive event last May.
As Waymo spokesperson Ethan Teicher noted, “Driving is dangerous.” Accidents are a reality, even when the autonomous driving technology isn’t to blame. Waymo is committed to learning from these occurrences to earn back public trust.
Waymo’s website claims that data shows reductions in traffic injuries and fatalities in regions where its services operate. Comparatively, the Waymo Driver technology has reportedly led to 88% fewer serious injury crashes, 79% fewer airbag deployments, and 78% fewer injury-causing crashes when assessed against the average human driver.
The technology shows even better results concerning incidents involving pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles. Each Waymo vehicle is equipped with an impressive 29 cameras, 5 LIDAR sensors, and 6 RADAR sensors, enhancing the focus on safety through redundancy.
In the event of issues like camera interference due to sun glare, Waymo’s system ensures that LIDAR and RADAR can compensate, maintaining operational efficiency.
Waymo Driver is designed to recognize emergency lights and sirens. If a Waymo vehicle is pulled over, support personnel will communicate with law enforcement regarding the situation.
As a final safety measure, vehicles will alert passengers of oncoming traffic before they exit, reinforcing the commitment to safety in autonomous transportation.
image source from：ajc
