Waymo Invites San Francisco Residents to Test Autonomous Rides
Waymo launches its Trusted Tester program in San Francisco, allowing locals to ride in fully autonomous Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. The program aims to gather valuable rider feedback to refine the company's self-driving technology.
Waymo kicks off its Waymo One Trusted Tester program in San Francisco, inviting local residents to ride in its fully autonomous, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. This milestone marks the first time the general public in the city hails autonomous rides to help shape the future of ride-hailing. Waymo builds on over twelve years of driving experience in San Francisco and leads the industry in accumulated autonomous miles across California.
The company applies lessons learned from its successful Metro Phoenix operations, where it currently serves tens of thousands of fully autonomous rides. In this initial San Francisco phase, an autonomous specialist remains in the vehicle to monitor the ride and ensure safety. Trusted Testers travel to everyday destinations across the initial service area, from local bakeries in the Sunset district to picnic spots in Golden Gate Park.
Participants use the Waymo One app to request rides and provide detailed feedback on their entire experience, from pickup to drop-off. Waymo expands the program to all interested San Franciscans after an initial small rollout, welcoming more riders in the coming weeks. The service ultimately aims to expand local mobility options and complement the city's existing public transportation infrastructure.