Waymo Launches Robotaxi Partnership in Chandler, Arizona

Waymo, the American autonomous driving technology company, has announced a partnership with the tech transit startup Via to integrate its autonomous vehicles into public transit networks in the United States. This initiative will initially launch in Chandler, a growing suburb of Phoenix, Arizona, aiming to enhance local transportation options.

The collaboration will see Waymo’s robotaxis incorporated into Chandler’s existing Flex microtransit service, which is powered by Via’s software. According to Reuters, the service is set to be introduced in the fall of 2023 and will offer on-demand small-scale public transportation options through the Chandler Flex app. Riders can currently book shared vehicles to reach their destinations and connect to the Valley Metro bus routes.

In the near future, travelers will be matched with Waymo’s fully autonomous vehicles as part of the Flex service. Operations will run from Monday to Friday, between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.. The cost for regular riders will be just $2, while seniors and wheelchair users will pay $1, and middle and high school students can ride for free. Waymo has also introduced “teen accounts,” allowing teenagers as young as 14 to use this service independently.

This is not Waymo’s first venture into public transit. Last year, the company tested a system in the San Francisco Bay Area that credited customers who used robotaxis to connect to transit stations and provided discounts to transit riders in Los Angeles. Additionally, Waymo has been offering paid driverless rides to the public in Austin and Atlanta.

Implications for Public Transit

Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating it will improve accessibility for millions of public transit riders, enhance mobility, lower operating costs, and improve safety outcomes. Yet, some experts have raised concerns that integrating autonomous vehicles could gradually reduce the number of riders on traditional public transit, potentially leading to service cuts.

Many ride-share users may prefer direct transport to their destinations rather than transferring to a different mode of transportation. Regular transit users, who often belong to lower-income demographics, may find it challenging to afford ride-share services.

Despite these concerns, the partnership has the potential to attract more passengers to Waymo’s driverless technology. Offering low-cost, planned autonomous rides could open this innovative transportation option to a broader segment of the population, making it a significant development in urban mobility.

In related news, Yahoo Finance reported that Alibaba Group Holding has entered the burgeoning robotaxi market by investing in Hello, a ride-hailing business. This sector represents a promising area for artificial intelligence applications, indicating a growing interest in autonomous transportation solutions.