What once seemed like a scene straight out of a childhood cartoon or a sci-fi movie has become reality. Autonomous taxis, or "robo-taxis," capable of driving themselves without human intervention, are now traversing Los Angeles. A prime example is the robo-taxi service operated by Waymo, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, Alphabet.

Waymo initiated limited paid services for early users and select registered customers in the Los Angeles area in April 2023. By November 12, just six months later, the company expanded its operations, launching a 24-hour service accessible to the general public across the city. With the removal of early restrictions and an expansion of service areas and user eligibility, the era where anyone can book a ride on a robo-taxi has officially arrived. The realization of robo-taxis marks a significant step in bringing artificial intelligence (AI) innovations to everyday life.

Getting Ready for the Ride
To use Waymo’s service, you first need to download the "Waymo One" app. After entering your desired route in the app, you can check the fare. For example, a ride from LA’s Koreatown to Beverly Center, approximately 6 miles, cost $25.43 on a Saturday afternoon.

Upon confirming the booking, I was informed that the car would arrive in four minutes. Shortly after, a white Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicle fitted with a spinning LiDAR sensor on its roof approached from a distance. Cameras were also installed around the vehicle for better awareness.

Though the car parked slightly away from my waiting spot, I hopped in, curious about Waymo’s unique decision-making process.

The Driving Experience
The interior of the vehicle was impeccably clean. A welcoming voice instructed passengers to fasten their seatbelts. After pressing "Start Ride" on the infotainment screen, the car smoothly began its journey.

Throughout the ride, the car demonstrated an impressive ability to adjust to various road conditions. From maintaining a safe distance between vehicles to navigating complex intersections, Waymo managed to deliver a secure driving experience. However, its cautious approach occasionally affected ride smoothness, resembling the driving style of an overly careful beginner.

The vehicle’s infotainment screens—available both in the front and back—provided details like the remaining distance, estimated time of arrival, and road conditions. Passengers could also adjust the car’s climate or music through these screens.

Waymo handled emergency situations remarkably well, such as yielding to fire trucks and ambulances or maneuvering around unexpected obstacles on the road.

Room for Improvement
Despite its strengths, Waymo has some areas to improve. For instance, during my return trip, the car struggled to enter a crowded mall parking lot, causing delays. Additionally, Waymo’s pick-up points were occasionally limited, requiring passengers to walk to specific locations for pick-up or drop-off.

The Verdict
Would I use Waymo again? Absolutely. Compared to Uber, the fares were $2–$5 lower for similar routes and times, and there was no need to tip—a significant advantage in today’s "tipflation" era.

Moreover, Waymo’s calm and composed driving style stood out in LA’s often chaotic traffic. Its unflappable demeanor amid road rage and honking drivers made a strong case for the future replacement of human drivers.

As the ride concluded, Waymo gently reminded me not to leave behind any belongings, a thoughtful touch that underscored the potential of next-generation transportation.



<Hwang, Eui-kyung>