Interesting. I know that some people in SF will prefer Waymo over a human driver, but lately I've noticed Waymo is significantly more expensive then Uber or Lyft, even considering you don't tip a Waymo. Like I'll see $12 or $14 fares on Uber/Lyft, but $25 on Waymo.
Another downside of Waymo is it still won't take freeways in SF, so rides can be significantly longer depending on where you're going.
But yes, when the Waymo price and trip time are competitive with Uber/Lyft (incl tip), I'll pretty much always take Waymo.
GeertB · 14d ago
I recently visited SF with the fam. Besides riding the old-fashioned cable cars up and down, to and from, our Fisherman's Wharf apartment, it was a foregone conclusion that we'd try out the most contrasting way of transport: a Waymo.
So, we took one to the Golden Gate Bridge park, a 20 minute or so ride. Everything was smooth, clean, nice music etc. The driving was much calmer and frankly more comfortable than any Uber driver we've had. After a few minutes of nervously being in awe, everyone started to relax and enjoying the ride more. We took a few more Waymo's over the next few days, and the experience was consistent.
A few days later as we went to the airport, our erratic Uber driver made us all wish we could have taken a Waymo. Alas, Waymo doesn't yet go there, or on any highways at all, so we'll have to wait for a little longer. However, on our trip we saw both transportation from the past and from the future. There's no doubt in my mind that driverless taxis will not only arrive everywhere, but take over quicker than we may now think.
xbmcuser · 16d ago
Tariffs on China made cars might slow Waymo takeover of the private hire market by a bit. I believe custom made Chinese Waymo cars were coming this year
Another downside of Waymo is it still won't take freeways in SF, so rides can be significantly longer depending on where you're going.
But yes, when the Waymo price and trip time are competitive with Uber/Lyft (incl tip), I'll pretty much always take Waymo.
A few days later as we went to the airport, our erratic Uber driver made us all wish we could have taken a Waymo. Alas, Waymo doesn't yet go there, or on any highways at all, so we'll have to wait for a little longer. However, on our trip we saw both transportation from the past and from the future. There's no doubt in my mind that driverless taxis will not only arrive everywhere, but take over quicker than we may now think.