Waymo Driverless Cars Now Operating on Los Angeles Freeways

Waymo's Freeway Expansion in LA

• 🚀 Waymo driverless taxis are now beginning to operate on Los Angeles freeways, marking a significant expansion of their service.
• 📍 This rollout is starting slowly but is expected to increase, with Waymo vehicles gaining access to highways and interstates for the first time in LA.

First Freeway Ride Experiences

• 👤 Harry Campbell, founder of Driverless Digest, was among the first passengers to experience a Waymo freeway ride in LA.
• 🛣️ Campbell described the experience as similar to riding Waymo on city streets but on the freeway, noting they stayed to the right and did not exceed 65 mph.
• ⚠️ He also observed no other Waymo vehicles on the freeway during his ride.

Access and Driver Concerns

• ❓ Access to Waymo freeway rides is currently limited, with not all riders being eligible, as reported by Matthew Sedorf.
• 😟 Some human drivers express hesitation about merging with driverless cars at freeway speeds, citing concerns about software updates and programming.

Recent Waymo Incidents

• 🚨 Waymo vehicles have been involved in recent incidents, including driving through a police standoff in downtown LA and a peculiar event where a man was found in a Waymo's trunk near MacArthur Park.

Future Outlook and Safety Perceptions

• 📈 Waymo vehicles will adhere to 65 mph speed limits on freeways for now, with potential for changes as technology advances.
• 👍 Despite recent incidents, the reported freeway ride experience was graded as a B+, with the driverless system performing solidly.
• 🚗 While some drivers remain cautious, others believe freeway driving in an automated vehicle could be safer due to consistent direction and lack of cross-traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists.