Waymo, the autonomous vehicle operator, has announced plans to expand its rider-only testing on Phoenix freeways. Initially, the first riders will be Waymo employees, who will have the opportunity to hail autonomous rides on freeways around Phoenix and provide valuable feedback to the company. This testing phase is aimed at fine-tuning Waymo’s technology and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the operating environment before offering rider-only freeway trips to the public.
The addition of freeways to Waymo’s rider-only service will significantly enhance the convenience for customers, as it will cut ride times considerably compared to using only city streets. By incorporating freeway testing into their operations, Waymo aims to showcase the capabilities of its self-driving cars in navigating everyday scenarios and responding safely to rare events.
Data released by Waymo in December highlights the safety advantages of their autonomous vehicles. In the Phoenix metro area, Waymo’s self-driving cars had an impressive 80% reduction in injury-causing crashes and a 51% reduction in reported crashes compared to human drivers in similar circumstances. This favorable safety record further reinforces Waymo’s commitment to developing a reliable and secure autonomous driving system.
While an official start date for rider-only freeway testing has not been announced, Waymo employees will soon begin experiencing the new service. Waymo’s operating area encompasses approximately 225 square miles in the Valley, covering major parts of Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale. Freeways such as State Route 51, portions of Loop 202 and Loop 101, as well as U.S. 60, are included within this coverage area.
With ongoing advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, Waymo continues to pave the way for a future where self-driving cars are a trusted and widely used mode of transportation. As they expand their rider-only testing on Phoenix freeways, they are taking significant steps to revolutionize the way we travel.
The source of the article is from the blog lisboatv.pt