Test drive: We took Waymo for a spin in Tampa
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Photo: Yacob Reyes/Axios
I drove 9 miles from Carrollwood into Waymo's service area to try the autonomous ride-hailing service.
- I parked at my old stomping ground, Hillsborough College, and hailed a robotaxi through the Waymo app for a ride to the historic Tampa Theatre.
Why it matters: Driverless cars are becoming a common sight in Tampa, and they're headed across the bay next.
Driving the news: Waymo's robotaxis serve about 50 square miles in Tampa, stretching from Hyde Park to Northwest Park and Temple Crest, and from the Westshore area to Highland Pines in East Tampa.
- The fleet consists of all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles outfitted with rooftop sensors and cameras that make them hard to miss.
Vroom in: The ride cost $17, compared with $11 on Uber. But I'm hesitant to call Waymo more expensive since there's no driver to tip. And, well, part of the premium is not having to make conversation.
- When the car reached the parking lot, it drove right past me. It took me a minute to realize I had to unlock the door via the app.
- Once I climbed inside, the console greeted me with, "Good afternoon, Yacob." I felt a tinge of excitement and a modicum of fear as I tapped "Begin ride."
Between the lanes: I lowered the temperature to 58°F and moved the seat as far forward as possible, giving me the kind of legroom that, until now, only Uber Lux could reliably provide.
- Then I paired YouTube Music with the car and blasted Bruno Mars. But as comfortable as I tried to get, I couldn't relax.
- It wasn't so much that I doubted the robotaxi, though there's ample reason to. I didn't trust Tampa drivers, and I say that as one of them. I worried the cars couldn't navigate around us.
Yes, but: An independent study recently found that Waymo's robotaxis are involved in fewer crashes than human drivers.
- And, to its credit, the ride was smooth.
- The car changed lanes effortlessly and navigated Downtown Tampa's winding, congested roads with a deft (and invisible) hand.
The finish line: If I had one critique, it was the car's parking, which was lopsided and awkward.
- But in fairness, I couldn't have done any better.