Self-Driving Cars Test User Experience in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA – Self-driving cars are becoming increasingly common in U.S. cities, particularly in San Francisco, where Waymo has been operating driverless rides since 2022. Recently, a journalist experienced a ride in one of these vehicles, highlighting the growing presence of autonomous technology in urban transport.

The test ride occurred at around 9:30 a.m., a peak time for traffic. Despite having no human driver, the price for a Waymo ride was more expensive than using other ride-hailing options such as Uber or Lyft. An UberX fare for the same trip would have cost approximately $13, while a discounted Lyft ride was around $10. A Waymo spokesperson stated that ride pricing depends on various factors including trip duration and traffic conditions.

As the journalist waited for the Waymo vehicle, multiple other Waymo cars passed by, emphasizing the prevalence of self-driving technology in the city. However, the pick-up location for the ride was further from the designated spot than expected, prompting concerns about the vehicle’s pickup algorithm.

Once inside the electric Jaguar I-Pace, the journalist noted a safety video playing in the car, reminding passengers to buckle up and avoid interaction with the steering wheel or pedals. The experience felt surreal, with the journalist capturing a video of the empty driver’s seat as the car navigated through traffic.

During the ride, the vehicle paused in the middle of an intersection due to a pedestrian crossing ahead. The in-car screen provided real-time feedback about the situation, which helped to reassure the passenger about the vehicle’s safety systems.

The journey concluded successfully, with the app prompting for a review and offering walking directions. Although the journalist felt secure during the ride, the premium pricing of Waymo’s service may deter future use in favor of cheaper alternatives like Uber or Lyft.

As companies like Waymo expand their services, the future of self-driving cars in urban environments continues to evolve, prompting discussions about safety, convenience, and cost.