The robotaxi revolution officially reached Los Angeles in November, but for the uninitiated, like myself, there hadn’t been a compelling reason to try it out until recently.
Typically, I prefer the comfort and familiarity of my own vehicle over ride-hailing services, and at home, my car is my go-to choice.
However, during Memorial Day weekend, a trip to San Francisco for a commencement ceremony provided the perfect opportunity to experience Waymo, a service that is also eyeing expansion into cities such as Atlanta, Miami, and Boston.
While I wasn’t nervous, I was prepared for the possibility of unexpected situations arising from this advanced technology.
Waymo’s white Jaguars have been operational for over a year and a half, yet like any new tech, there are bound to be challenges.
Past incidents involving robotaxis causing traffic disruptions, confusion over malfunctioning traffic lights, and even a human misfortune have been reported, often revolving around early testing phases from different companies.
Most of these troubling stories, such as Mike Johns’s unforgettable ride where he was stuck in a Waymo circling a parking lot in Scottsdale, Arizona, seem distant now.
Although that five-minute incident must have felt like an eternity for him, it was both alarming and humorous to witness, thanks to social media’s reach.
Despite these anxieties, I found reassurance in the data: the majority of Waymo’s 10 million rides have proceeded without a hitch.
To reassure the public, Waymo updated its software following a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation into minor crashes involving stationary objects.
According to a spokesperson, the driverless taxis are continuously evolving, learning to adapt to local driving styles.
My experience during two rides in San Francisco was mostly uneventful—definitely a relief.
The Waymo One app made ordering a ride straightforward.
After placing a request, I was able to track the car’s journey to my designated drop-off point.
Initially, I puzzled over how to identify my specific ride.
All the cars look alike with their black top hats and spinning sensors; amid my contemplation, I noticed my initials illuminating from the rooftop sensor, signaling it was mine before I stepped in and greeted the empty space with a habitual “hi.”
Watching the steering wheel autonomously turn was odd but soon became familiar.
Aside from a few abrupt accelerations, the ride was surprisingly smooth, and my ‘drivers’ exhibited a level of obedience to traffic laws that often exceeds my own.
I was particularly impressed when a reckless pedestrian darted in front of the Waymo, prompting an immediate and calming stop with no trace of road rage—this was something I found amusing.
Throughout the ride, I had the chance to observe what the ‘driver’ was perceiving through the sensors: lidar, radar, and cameras showcased obstacles in the environment.
Overall, I felt a sense of safety during my rides.
However, I do wonder about future scenarios involving high-speed highway travel or as a pedestrian sharing the road with these vehicles.
One aspect that stood out was the absence of human interaction.
In the past, I have enjoyed meaningful conversations with ride-share drivers, exchanging stories about their experiences and reasons for driving.
In comparison, I later opted for an Uber ride, during which I engaged with the driver, uncovering his recent involvement with a dog-rescue operation in Los Angeles—an engaging discussion I missed during my Waymo trips.
Despite the lack of human connection, it feels inevitable that robotaxis will become a part of our daily lives.
As of now, Waymo operates in just four cities, including Phoenix and Austin, but is slated to extend its service to Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Miami soon.
Waymo may currently lead the market in autonomy, but it’s essential to recognize that other companies are rapidly closing the gap.
For instance, Elon Musk recently announced Tesla’s plans to initiate its own customer rides in Austin this month, showcasing competitive advancements in the field.
If you find yourself in Las Vegas later this year, there’s also the opportunity to experience Zoox, an autonomous ride-hailing service from Amazon, which is being trialed in various cities including Seattle and Austin.
Interestingly, these driverless services have strategically centered their operations in regions with minimal snowfall, as inclement weather poses unique challenges for their technology.
However, it’s hard to believe that robotaxis won’t expand into colder climates in the near future.
Ultimately, if comfortable rides are the goal, these futuristic vehicles promise a lot for the rides of tomorrow.
image source from：https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/04/opinion/waymo-driverless-car-boston-robotaxi/
