I rode in a driverless Waymo in Atlanta. It was awesome
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Riding in a self-driving Waymo in Atlanta was easier — and cooler — than previously one would think. Photo: Mike Szvetitz/Axios
As a Gen X-er, growing up I dreamed about a future with flying cars. Back in October, I experienced the next best thing — a self-driving Waymo.
Why it matters: The car drove itself, y'all.
(Who's) Driving the news: Last summer, Atlanta became the fifth city in the U.S. to use these autonomous robotaxis, joining Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco.
- According to its website, Waymos in Atlanta are available from South Atlanta to downtown to Buckhead (a 65-mile service area). They can be booked by Uber users when selecting UberX, Comfort or Comfort Electric, Axios Atlanta's Thomas Wheatley previously reported.
View from the backseat: I took my Waymo, which was a Jaguar I-PACE, from Downtown to Midtown for dinner with my Axios colleagues.
- It was a 2.2-mile trip that took 12 minutes through evening city traffic.
- And it was awesome.
How it works: I ordered an Uber X just like normal, and it connected me with the closest "driver" in my area, which just happened to be a Waymo.
- When the car arrived, I received a notification on my cellphone that I would need to allow the car to access my phone's bluetooth, so I could unlock the doors.
- I rode in the back seat, passenger side.
- Once in the car, it played about a minute-long message, while driving. The announcement reminded me to buckle up and that "we'll do all the driving" and to not touch the steering wheel and pedals. (It was very reminiscent of the airplane safety announcements before takeoff.)
What's inside: There were cameras in the car, but according to the message, they "may be" used by the company.
- There are also microphones in the car, but would only turn on if I connected to rider support. "So sing your heart out. ... We can't hear you," the message reassured.
- From the in-car screen, which is between the two front seats and accessible from the backseat, I could pick the music and control the climate and other ride functions.
My thought bubble: The drive was smooth and uneventful — except for me taking videos and photos, while also texting my family and friends that I was riding in a DRIVERLESS CAR!!!!
What's next: Now I gotta order food that's delivered by a robot.