Waymo Unveils Non-Driver Taxi Service

Waymo, a Google’s subsidiary, is introducing an automated ride-hailing service in Phoenix. Named Waymo One, this is a historic mark for not only the firm but also the growing self-driving tech industry. However, it comes with potential risks.

Waymo currently does not offer this robotaxis service with accompanying app to everyone. The company launches a free pilot program with test drivers sitting behind the wheel trained by Waymo although it has already had driverless vehicles on Phoenix’s public roads. Phoenix people will be first invited to take part in the pilot program of this self-hailing service, which was used to be introduced in April 2017 with the participation of over 400 people.

In particular, the autonomous car company will offer some of these early riders to transfer to Waymo One. According to CEO John Krafcik, the firm will maintain the early rider campaign to choose a group that it can give Waymo current insights. In Medium’s blog post, he wrote these riders would help with tests on early features before being transferred to the new ride-hailing service, allowing the public to gradually access new capabilities.

Waymo One is going upwards and gives a signal of the development of a public-open broader service. This time, participants in Waymo One new program will be able to share their thoughts of the service. In addition, they can also invite a friend or family member who did not take part in the early rider program to join with them.

This 24/7 service is expected to be launched in four Phoenix suburbs including Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, and Gilbert.

Not only can riders see price estimates before they accept a ride which is based on travel time and distance to their destination, but they can also raise questions through the app or an in-car console which allows them to connect to an employee.

After Waymo began testing in self-hailing Chrysler Pacifica minivans in suburbs like Chandler in 2016 and developed in 2017 with its early rider program, it has been aiming at a commercial service in Phoenix. Waymo sent non-driver minivans onto the roads of greater Phoenix from its test fleet in 2017.

In May 2018, some early riders were permitted to ask for a robotaxis without a human test driver behind the wheel. It is known that the company was approved to begin non-driver testing on public roads for the first time in October this year.