Following extensive testing, the Silicon Valley-based self-driving car company has officially launched Waymo One, a 24/7 robotaxi service, to the general public on a Wednesday. Prospective riders have the option to obtain an activation code for a complimentary week-long experience either through an in-person pop-up event or online registration. In the coming month of November, Waymo One will expand its services to Century City, West Hollywood, Mid-City, Koreatown, and downtown Los Angeles.
On the morning of the launch, Santa Monica's Waymo stand drew the attention of autonomous vehicle enthusiasts who had received prior email notifications about the event. Prior to its 8 a.m. opening, eager individuals queued up to receive their "ticket to ride," which included an activation code, and claimed Waymo-branded T-shirts and tote bags. Some even took the opportunity to write personalized messages on Waymo-themed postcards intended for friends and family.
While a few attendees felt some apprehension, the majority had already spotted Waymo's autonomous vehicles traversing the streets of Santa Monica, leading to their eagerness to finally experience a ride in one.
"It's undeniably the future," echoed many.
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, Google's parent company, initiated the mapping of Los Angeles with human drivers back in 2019. Their journey towards self-driving vehicles in Santa Monica commenced with safety drivers in the previous autumn, with a reporter from The Times even taking a ride in one early in 2023. Waymo currently provides fully autonomous rides to the general public in San Francisco and Phoenix. Notably, both Waymo and Cruise, a competitor under General Motors' ownership, recently obtained the California Public Utilities Commission's approval to charge for rides in San Francisco and offer around-the-clock service.
Among the local residents, such as Emily Watts, an animator residing in Santa Monica, the prospect of putting her two daughters in a Waymo vehicle for soccer and swim practice stirs dreams of a future convenience yet to come.
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