Waymo Brings Robotaxi Service to San Francisco Streets
Alphabet's Waymo launches its Waymo One Trusted Tester program in San Francisco, offering free autonomous rides in all-electric Jaguar I-PACEs. The initial rollout includes human safety operators and requires participants to sign nondisclosure agreements.
Waymo introduces its Waymo One Trusted Tester program to San Francisco, allowing a select group of vetted riders to hail autonomous rides. The company deploys a fleet of all-electric Jaguar I-PACEs equipped with its fifth-generation Waymo Driver system, which benefits from 20 million miles of real-world driving and 10 billion simulated miles. This launch mirrors the phased strategy Waymo previously uses in Phoenix to refine its commercial ride-hailing service.
Interested San Franciscans download the Waymo One app to apply for the program, which prioritizes diverse participants with varying transportation needs, including wheelchair accessibility. Accepted riders receive complimentary trips across several city neighborhoods like the Sunset, Richmond, and Castro. In exchange for these free rides, participants agree to provide detailed feedback on their experience and sign a nondisclosure agreement.
The service operates around the clock, seven days a week, though every vehicle currently includes a human safety operator in the front seat. Waymo declines to reveal the exact number of vehicles or testers involved in this initial phase. The company plans to gradually expand its service territory across the city as it gathers more data and refines its autonomous technology.