San Diegans are split on riding in Waymos
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Waymo rolling. GIF: Kate Murphy
Since Waymo's arrival in San Diego is imminent, we asked if you'd ever ride in one of the driverless cars, and boy, did you have opinions.
The big picture: Some of you can't wait to hop in and ride with no one behind the wheel. Others say never in a million years.
Catch up quick: Waymo has been testing its autonomous vehicles with drivers locally for more than a year, but now cars are zipping around town without a human behind the wheel.
- Right now only Alphabet employees, including those working for Waymo and Google, can get rides.
- It'll expand to the public, but the company isn't saying when that'll happen.
So would you ride in one? Some of you have already used them and can't wait for their arrival in San Diego.
✅ "Riding inside the Waymo was nice because we could control the A/C & music, and because there was no risk of awkward or uncomfortable interactions with drivers. Bonus points for no need to tip!" — Justin C.
🚀 "I am fully supportive of Waymo coming to San Diego. I used Waymo in San Francisco. What a great experience. Safe and easy. Waymo is the epitome of progress and we should not allow local naysayers to get in the way!" — Matt J.
🙌 "If I go to a city that has access to it, I will always ride Waymos. No more awkward conversations or overly air-freshener Ubers. The only annoying part is how it drops you off in a busy area sometimes. Difficult to just jump out like you can in an Uber." — Matt H.
🔮 "After riding in multiple Waymo cars, both in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, I will tell you that the future is here, like it or not." — Mark C.
But some of you are concerned about job losses and safety.
👥 "I truly like humans, even some of the obnoxious ones. Automation is taking away jobs, and I choose to support those drivers." — Robin E.
💔 "I am concerned about all the people who have found a way to make a small living and also those who use driving as a side gig when they need extra cash … I also consider that some of my most interesting and enlightening conversations have been with the drivers of various backgrounds. Now those interactions will be lost!" — Ann L.
🚫 "No way in hell will I ever be in a Waymo. I see no need for this form of transportation. It takes jobs from humans and the people who NEED to be drivers to make a little money in this lousy economy. I'll never use one and I hate seeing them in our city." — Eden
🛑 "Never, I use Lyft all the time & I will not change this." — Maryellen W.
😤 "I shall NEVER ride in a Waymo!!!!!" —Julian P.