Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Alphabet, Inc., is set to start testing its rider-only cars on Phoenix area freeways. This move comes as part of Waymo’s ongoing efforts to expand its operations and gauge the viability of its technology in different environments.
Previously, Waymo has primarily focused on deploying its autonomous vehicles on local streets, which has been evident in the Chandler area since 2017. However, with this new phase of testing, Waymo plans to gather valuable feedback from its employees by offering them rider-only trips on freeways.
By involving its own staff in the testing process, Waymo aims to gain insights into the rider experience, as well as improve the overall service. This iterative approach aligns with Waymo’s commitment to following a comprehensive safety framework that has been developed over years of experience.
Having already operated rider-only vehicles on public roads in Arizona and California, as well as autonomous trucks and cars on freeways with the presence of a specialist, Waymo is well-prepared for this latest endeavor. With millions of miles of experience under its belt, the company’s knowledge and expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the success of this new phase of testing.
As Waymo moves forward with its plans, it asserts that safety remains its top priority. By adhering to its established safety framework and leveraging its accumulated experience, Waymo aims to overcome any challenges it may encounter while testing its rider-only cars on Phoenix freeways.
While the initial focus is on gathering feedback from employees, Waymo’s ultimate goal is to make autonomous transportation a viable and widespread reality for everyone. Through careful testing and continuous improvement, Waymo continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the autonomous vehicle industry, driving us closer to a future where self-driving cars are the norm.
The source of the article is from the blog motopaddock.nl