"the Alphabet-owned company has been allowed to deploy an unlimited number of robotaxis for paid driverless rides in the city [San Francisco] at all hours. In March, state regulators allowed the company to expand its commercial ride-hailing to 22 Peninsula cities.
Now, Waymo officials are declaring victory after a year of commercial driverless service without any serious incidents and say it gives them confidence to speed up their robotaxi expansion.
David Margines, Waymo’s director of product management, said in an interview that the company’s one-year track record in San Francisco “is a validation” that its robotaxis can “drive safely” and “coexist in the communities that we want to operate in.”
“Looking back over the year, I’m thrilled to say that it’s been a big success,” he said."
I personally think it was cause a revolution in mobility and cities in general. Far bigger than what most see.
Long term I see car ownership dropping massively and self driving cars working somewhere between taxis and buses linking with rail. With the option of paying more for a personal vehicle or van when required.
The land usage taken up by personal vehicles is horrific and, while not perfect, self driving cars seem the most reasonable step to a big drop in emission and increase in density and public parks and such.
I’m just looking forward to watching movies on my phone during a long commute.