San Diegans can now hail a taxi without a driver.
But how?
We'll get to that in a minute.
Waymo launched its fully autonomous ride service in San Diego on September 1, beginning a gradual rollout that will expand throughout the month. The company is initially admitting riders who register through the Waymo app.
The San Diego opening is part of a major national expansion by Waymo, the autonomous-driving company owned by Google parent Alphabet.
San Diego, Denver and Tampa joined the company’s network at the same time, bringing Waymo’s driverless service to 14 U.S. cities.
How to Order.
Calling a Waymo is similar to ordering an Uber or Lyft. Customers download the Waymo app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, create an account and enter a payment card. San Diego users are then placed in a queue (called an invitation) and notified when they have been approved to ride.
Once activated, the passenger enters a destination and confirms one of the pickup locations suggested by the app. The vehicle can be tracked on the screen as it approaches. When it arrives, the customer matches the car’s identification information with the details displayed in the app, unlocks the door electronically and climbs into the back seat. There is no driver. The passenger fastens a seat belt and presses the “Start Ride” button on the interior screen.
Waymo’s initial San Diego territory covers approximately 50 square miles, stretching from Logan Heights north to Pacific Beach and from Sunset Cliffs east to Normal Heights. North Park, downtown, Hillcrest and several surrounding neighborhoods are included.
The service operates around the clock, although the number of available vehicles remains limited during the introductory period.
How much?
Fares are displayed in the app before a customer confirms the trip and will vary according to distance, time and demand.
Waymo is being coy. So far they're not offering a ball park figure. Rude. Waymo is introducing San Diego riders to its new Ojai vehicle, a roomier robotaxi with additional rear-seat legroom and larger passenger screens.
The all-electric vehicle is equipped with cameras, radar, lidar and an autonomous-driving computer system.
For now, Waymo will remain on San Diego surface streets.
Trips involving freeways or San Diego International Airport are not yet available, although the company says both are planned as service expands. The immediate business question is how quickly Waymo can build its fleet—and whether San Diegans will embrace a taxi that arrives at the curb with nobody behind the wheel.
How much do you tip?
Zip. No tipping.
Nice.
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