Waymo Expands Autonomous Vehicle Presence in Los Angeles
Waymo is significantly increasing its presence in Los Angeles with the expansion of its autonomous vehicle fleet. The company is rapidly making strides in the driverless taxi market, paralleling its success in San Francisco.
Waymo’s Expansion in Los Angeles
In just two years, Waymo has deployed over 600 autonomous vehicles across more than 120 square miles of Los Angeles. These vehicles are even being tested on L.A.’s busy freeways, demonstrating the company’s commitment to enhancing mobility options through technology.
Increasing Popularity of Driverless Cars
Recent trends indicate a growing comfort among passengers with autonomous transport options. In San Francisco, the demand for Waymo robotaxis has surpassed that of traditional rideshare services like Lyft. With this rising acceptance, there is speculation about a potential similar shift occurring in Los Angeles.
The Impact on Rideshare Drivers
Human drivers, such as Oscar Cordero, a seasoned Uber and Lyft veteran, are observing this change closely. Cordero has operated for nine years and completed over 15,000 rides. He notes the prevalence of Waymo vehicles around the city. “They’re everywhere,” he stated, as he keeps an eye on the evolving landscape of ridesharing.
Future of Autonomous Vehicles
According to Mark Giarelli, a stock researcher at Morningstar, Waymo’s growth raises questions about the future of ridesharing. He conveys that while the full dominance of autonomous vehicles is not imminent, it is increasingly becoming a tangible reality. Currently, autonomous vehicles account for less than 1% of all trips in the U.S., but predictions suggest this could rise to approximately 50% within the next decade.
Ongoing Developments in the Industry
Numerous companies are planning to test their own driverless vehicles in California. This surge in activity highlights the state’s pivotal role in the evolution of autonomous transport services.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly at places like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where regulations currently restrict the operation of autonomous vehicles. This restriction indicates that even as the technology progresses, there are still hurdles to overcome in broader geographical deployment.
