Driverless Taxi Services Expand to LA

Waymo Los Angeles: What You Need to Know

Waymo, the fully autonomous self-driving vehicle service, has officially launched in Los Angeles. Anyone in LA can use the Waymo One app to hail a self-driving robotaxi throughout nearly 80 square miles of Los Angeles County, including popular areas like Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Culver City.

Residents and visitors alike can now experience the convenience of a self-driving ride-hailing service that operates without the need for a human driver. The service is available immediately, with no waitlists or limitations on access.

What Is Waymo One?

Waymo originated in 2009 as the Google Self-Driving Car Project before becoming an independent subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. in 2016. As a leader in autonomous driving technology, Waymo operates the driverless ride-hailing service known as Waymo One. The service is powered by self-driving vehicles equipped with advanced sensors, radar, and cameras to detect and respond to the environment in real-time. 

As of November 2024, Waymo One is available in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, with plans to expand to Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, in 2025. Waymo One recently doubled its service area in Phoenix, AZ. Waymo rides are available across a 315-square-mile area.

Waymo’s total fleet includes more than 700 vehicles, completing over 150,000 rides each week. Positioned as a competitive alternative to ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft, Waymo remains dedicated to offering reliable, fully autonomous transportation solutions. Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, recently commended, “Our service has matured quickly and our riders are embracing the many benefits of fully autonomous driving”.

How to Get Started With Waymo in Los Angeles

1. Download the Waymo One App: First, visit the App Store or Google Play and download the Waymo One app to your smartphone. The app is free to download and available for both iOS and Android devices.
2. Create an Account: Once the app is installed, create an account. This step is necessary to book a ride.
3. Check Availability in Your Area: After logging in, check if Waymo One is available in your location. The service is currently available in select areas of Los Angeles, and the app will let you know if you’re within the service coverage.
4. Request a Ride: Enter your pickup location and destination in the app. You can request a ride with up to four passengers. The app will match you with an available autonomous vehicle, and you can track its arrival in real-time. Once the vehicle reaches your location, you’ll be notified that it’s ready for you.
5. Enjoy the Ride: When you get into the Waymo vehicle, sit back and relax. Hit “Start Ride” and check out what the Waymo Driver sees and its route on the passenger screen.
6. Provide Feedback: The app will prompt you to rate your experience after your ride. If you have any issues or concerns, you can report them directly through the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Waymo One app, and how does it work?

The Waymo One app works similarly to other ride-hailing services: input your pickup location and destination, and the app matches you with an available self-driving car.

The app tracks your ride in real-time, providing updates on the vehicle’s arrival and journey.

2. What are the requirements for Waymo One?

To use Waymo One, you must be at least 18 years old to ride alone. You’ll need a valid credit card or payment method to book your rides. Currently, Waymo One is available in select parts of Los Angeles. LA riders should check the app for coverage details.

4. How much does Waymo cost?

The cost of riding with Waymo is comparable to other ride-hailing services, but it can vary depending on the distance, time of day, and location of your ride. Fare estimates are provided in the app before you book a ride.

5. Does Waymo operate on freeways?

No, Waymo’s autonomous vehicles will not drive on freeways in Los Angeles. So, you won’t be able to book a ride to or from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), at the moment.

6. What safety concerns should I know when riding with Waymo One?

Waymo claims they have data that indicates the Waymo Driver is already reducing traffic injuries and fatalities in the places where Waymo currently operates.

Waymo vehicles are equipped with radar, cameras, and LIDAR sensors to detect obstacles and navigate safely in various conditions. While Waymo’s vehicles are designed with high safety standards, passengers should be aware that they are still part of an emerging technology.

As with any new transportation method, issues or malfunctions could occur. Passengers are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and report concerns to Waymo. The vehicles also have remote safety operators who can intervene in case of emergencies.

7. Can I sit in the driver’s seat?

No, passengers cannot sit in the driver’s seat of a Waymo vehicle. Passengers must sit in the designated passenger seats while enjoying the ride.

8. How do I report any issues or concerns during my ride?

If you encounter any issues or concerns during your Waymo ride, you can report them directly through the Waymo One app. The app includes a feedback section where users can provide detailed information about their experience. Alternatively, you can submit an online form or contact Waymo’s customer support team for assistance.

Contact Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you’re involved in an accident, even with a self-driving vehicle, seeking legal advice from experienced car accident lawyers is crucial. Experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of liability in a Waymo accident and ensure you are fairly compensated for any injuries or damages.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we are committed to helping injured victims recover fair compensation. Our car accident attorneys maintain a 99% success rate and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Contact a skilled personal injury attorney today to discuss your case and receive guidance on how to proceed in the event of an accident involving a driverless vehicle.