Is It Time to Rethink Who—or What—Drives Us?

The concept of self-driving vehicles is no longer just theoretical. In cities like Phoenix and San Francisco, autonomous cars developed by Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., are already transporting passengers without human drivers. These pilot programs are more than just experiments—they’re early signals of how urban transportation might evolve.

How Waymo's Technology Works

Waymo’s system, known as the Waymo Driver, relies on a combination of sensors including lidar, radar, and high-resolution cameras. Together, they allow the vehicle to detect traffic signals, pedestrians, cyclists, and other obstacles in real time. The software uses this data to make continuous driving decisions—starting, stopping, turning, or slowing down—all without human intervention.

Unlike assisted-driving systems that still require human supervision, Waymo’s cars are designed to operate fully autonomously in specific areas under certain conditions.

Where It's Happening

Waymo’s driverless ride-hailing service, Waymo One, currently operates in several U.S. cities:

• Phoenix, AZ – Offers 24/7 fully autonomous service across a wide area

• San Francisco, CA – Available to the general public across San Francisco and Daly City

• Los Angeles, CA – Recently launched with service from Downtown to Santa Monica

• Austin, TX – Being piloted in collaboration with Uber

Additionally, Waymo has received approval to begin mapping roads at San Francisco International Airport, signaling interest in future airport transit options.

What’s Next for Self-Driving Cars?

Public opinion remains mixed. While some view autonomous vehicles as a way to reduce traffic accidents and improve efficiency, others raise concerns about safety, regulation, and job displacement in sectors like taxi and delivery services.

Still, Waymo is expanding. The company plans to test its technology in 10 or more U.S. cities in 2025, suggesting continued momentum in both development and deployment.