Waymo's future in Chicago unclear while it rolls out to more cities
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Self-driving cars have been popping up across the country, but it's unclear how soon — if ever — we'll see them in Illinois.
The big picture: Waymo calls itself the world's first autonomous ride-hailing service and the "most experienced driver."
- It operates in five cities — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Phoenix and Austin. Nineteen more are being added in the next couple of years, Axios' Joann Muller reports.
Catch up quick: Waymo started as Google's self-driving experiment in 2009 and became its own company under Alphabet in 2016.
- Its first fully autonomous ride on public roads was in Austin in 2015, and it launched its rider-only service in 2020 in Phoenix.
What they're saying: "We'd be thrilled for Chicago residents to have the chance to experience the magic of Waymo for themselves, and we are advocating for changes at the state level that would provide clarity on fully autonomous operations in Illinois," Waymo spokesperson Ethan Teicher told Axios in a statement.
- Teicher said the company is "engaging with state lawmakers" but didn't share who specifically or the status of those conversations.
State of play: Illinois Department of Transportation spokesperson Maria Castaneda told Axios the department has "no official stance on autonomous vehicles at this time."
Flashback: An executive order issued in 2018 by then-Gov. Bruce Rauner introduced the Autonomous Illinois Testing Program to test out AV technology and safety and mandated that a licensed driver always be in the vehicle.
- Castaneda said "the department has made no additional steps to act on" that order.
Zoom in: Earlier this year, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit introduced a bill to require a human operator in AVs, but never got a vote.
- "Driving is fairly dangerous, and it's our role as a state to make it as safe as possible," Kifowit told Axios. "I firmly believe that there has to be somebody who is there monitoring and making sure the vehicle is being properly operated."
The intrigue: Although Chicago is not on Waymo's official expansion list, the company has shown interest in coming here.
- When you sign up for updates from Waymo and enter your home address, the site auto-populates with a drafted letter to your state senator and state representative: "I'm writing today in support of legislation to bring Waymo to Illinois."
- It highlights benefits such as "safer streets, improved accessibility and sustainable ride-hailing."
- It also has a couple of job postings for Chicago-based positions, indicating some confidence they'll be spending time and effort in the state.
What we're watching: How Waymo would affect Uber and Lyft drivers if it did come here. "Self-driving technology threatens the roles of drivers, the essential workers who keep our city running every day — including through major crises, like COVID-19," Lori Simmons from Chicago Gig Alliance told Axios in a statement.
- "Nothing can replace the common sense, professionalism and knowledge of the city's geography that drivers have," Simmons added.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a comment from the Chicago Gig Alliance.