UPDATE: Waymo has officially begun autonomous test drives in Philadelphia, marking a significant step toward the future of driverless ride-hailing in the city. The California-based company announced this development earlier today, as its vehicles navigate the bustling streets of Center City.
Residents are already expressing a mix of curiosity and skepticism about the new service. While fully driverless operations are not yet available, trained human specialists are behind the wheel for these initial tests. “Riders won’t be able to hail a Waymo just yet,” a company spokesperson confirmed, emphasizing that the public launch timeline remains uncertain.
As these autonomous vehicles take to the roads, reactions from Philadelphians range from intrigue to concern. “Very dystopian,” remarked Brendan Divilly, a visitor from New York who has previously experienced a Waymo ride in San Francisco. He added, “I think a lot of people will be skeptical of them,” highlighting the apprehension surrounding this new technology.
The Waymo vehicles are currently making their rounds in the city, with many onlookers capturing the moment. Local attorney Paul Kahn voiced apprehensions about how the cars will cope with Philadelphia’s notoriously challenging traffic conditions. “I do not think the Philadelphia drivers will handle this well,” he stated, referring to the city’s often chaotic driving environment.
Concerns over safety are echoed by other residents. “I’m just worried about my safety because of AI,” said Ryan Berry from Chester. He described a vivid image of potential mishaps, saying, “I can picture a flat Waymo, that’s for sure!” Local resident Grace Hannigan questioned the necessity of autonomous vehicles, stating, “We have people that can drive cars, why don’t we just do that?”
This ambitious expansion by Waymo comes as the company rolls out services across the East Coast, including Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C.. However, the company has faced scrutiny due to several high-profile incidents involving its vehicles, including a passenger stranded in traffic outside an NFL stadium in Atlanta and a car navigating through an active police standoff in Los Angeles.
In light of these challenges, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) released a statement affirming the importance of this testing phase. “This represents the first step toward driverless operations in Pennsylvania and reflects an important development in advancing future transportation,” the agency stated. They assured that collaboration with Waymo will continue as the company progresses toward public service.
For now, while residents can spot these distinctive vehicles cruising through Center City, the excitement is tempered with caution. As the public awaits an official launch date for the fully autonomous service, Waymo remains committed to ensuring a safe and reliable experience for future riders.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and keep an eye out for Waymo’s next moves in the City of Brotherly Love.
