On a recent visit to San Francisco, I encountered an astonishing sight: numerous cars navigating the city’s streets without any drivers behind the wheel.
As I sat in my Uber, my driver scoffed at the sight of these autonomous vehicles. “They are my competition,” he remarked, alluding to the growing presence of driverless technology.
Tourists visiting San Francisco are increasingly surprised by these cutting-edge vehicles, as they seamlessly operate throughout the bustling downtown area.
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet—the parent company of Google—has expanded its autonomous ride-hailing service to San Francisco after initially launching in Phoenix, Arizona. The company has also partnered with Uber in cities like Austin and Atlanta, with plans to target Miami next.
In contrast, several Chinese companies have already adopted driverless vehicles across various cities in China, while some autonomous driving firms are venturing into markets in Europe, Japan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. The complex road systems of many European cities have, however, hindered the widespread adoption of robotaxis.
Waymo’s fleet of all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles is equipped with advanced technological fixtures, including ultrasonic sensors, LiDAR, radar, and cameras, allowing them to navigate safely and efficiently. Their fifth-generation autonomous driving system promises safer transportation options, claiming that 94% of vehicle crashes involve human error or choices.
Waymo emphasizes that its self-driving cars are less prone to reckless behaviors like drunkenness, fatigue, or distractions, presenting its mission as striving to be “the world’s most trusted driver.” This commitment has purportedly led to reduced traffic injuries and fatalities in the areas they serve.
Interestingly, as I observed the Waymo cars in action, I noticed pedestrians testing the vehicles’ responsiveness by stepping in front of them. The vehicles stopped without hesitation, affirming their safety protocols.
Waymo’s safety record appears to surpass that of Tesla’s Autopilot, with Tesla also planning to launch its own robotaxi service in the future.
Starting back in 2009 as Google’s self-driving car initiative, Waymo has made significant strides. Now, individuals across the United States can download the Waymo One app to request fully autonomous rides for up to four passengers within designated service areas. Notably, riders are required to bring their own car seats for children when needed.
The presence of these driverless cars has transformed into a point of curiosity, serving as a new tourist attraction. Waymo proudly highlights its role in promoting tourism within the regions where it operates.
Intrigued by the concept, I decided to take a ride in one of the autonomous vehicles. Upon entering, the experience felt both exhilarating and eerie. Unlike traditional ride-hailing services, the app didn’t display an icon tracking the vehicle’s approach but did provide timely estimates for arrival.
When the car arrived, my initials illuminated on a screen atop the vehicle—a personalized touch that added to the futuristic experience. After I unlocked the vehicle through the Waymo app, the door handle elegantly extended outward, inviting me to enter.
Inside, the car welcomed me by name, detailing the ride’s rules, including seatbelt usage. Calm music set the atmosphere, which I could modify using the touchscreen. The interior was impressively clean, with comfortable leather seats adding to the overall comfort.
With blacked-out windows, the vehicle offered significant privacy while still maintaining a novel appeal that caused passersby to take pictures whenever the cars stopped beside them.
As the journey progressed, I appreciated how smoothly the Waymo car navigated its surroundings, demonstrating a capability to avoid pedestrians and comply with traffic signals. However, I did notice one instance where the car caught a red light toward the end of a yellow signal and rushed through an intersection.
One minor drawback was the drop-off location; I was deposited a short distance away from my intended destination, possibly indicating that the AI believed it was a safer spot for disembarking.
Interestingly, many users are drawn to Waymo over Uber or Lyft, finding comfort in the absence of a human driver and the lack of social interactions or concerns regarding the driver’s background. While some of my friends expressed apprehension about being driven by a robot, with worries about costs and safety, I found the experience both fun and remarkably relaxing.
In an era dominated by technology, many modern vehicles now come equipped with various driving assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-centering assistance. Prominent models like the 2024 Cadillac Escalade, the upcoming BMW X5, and the latest offerings from Mercedes-Benz and Volvo are increasingly adopting advanced safety technology, though they may come with significant price tags.
Given San Francisco’s history of technological innovation, it’s no surprise that the city has embraced the concept of driverless cars on its streets. Would you consider using one of these AI-driven vehicles for your next ride?
image source from：meer
