Self-driving cars are increasingly becoming a familiar sight in Los Angeles, with Waymo’s continued expansion throughout the county, including areas like Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Culver City. With over 150,000 people signing up for the waitlist in March for a chance to experience these autonomous rides, the question on many minds is: How Much Does Waymo Cost?
While Waymo boasts over 20 billion miles of simulated driving experience, utilizing detailed custom maps and advanced sensors, real-world reports have highlighted occasional challenges with unprotected left turns and navigating rain-soaked roads.
To explore the realities of using Waymo, we conducted a test ride to assess its pros and cons.
Waymo’s Pricing: A Real-World Test
Our experiment involved a roundtrip journey from downtown L.A. to Koreatown during rush hour, designed to challenge Waymo with one-way streets and unprotected left turns.
The first ride, requested around 3 p.m. on a Friday from South Spring Street to Hobart Boulevard, took approximately 17 minutes to arrive and cost just under $20. This was comparable to other rideshare options but involved a significantly longer wait time.
The return trip, initiated shortly after 4 p.m., arrived in just five minutes, primarily because it was the same vehicle. This ride also cost around $20, making it about $6 cheaper than Uber or Lyft at that time. So, while our experience offered a small snapshot, the question remains: how much does Waymo really cost in different scenarios?
The Upsides of the Waymo Experience
Both pick-up and drop-off locations proved convenient, with the car easily locating us at mostly empty public parking lots. Although the initial pick-up required a slightly longer walk, the car compensated by providing extra time.
The door handles, accessible only after unlocking via the app, add a layer of security, albeit with a slightly confusing initial experience.
The Waymo vehicle itself is a significant draw. The spotless Jaguar electric cars offer charging ports, screens in both the front and back, and curated playlists for the ride.
A robotic voice greets passengers upon entering, adding to the futuristic feel.
Beyond the comfort, Waymo’s driving habits also have some positives. The car consistently uses its blinker and stops gently at stop lights, maintaining a safe distance from crosswalks. The screens provide a detailed map of the surroundings, tracking vehicles, scooters, bikes, and pedestrians in real-time. The car is also highly responsive to obstacles, sometimes overly so, leading to occasional abrupt adjustments.
The Downsides of Riding in a Waymo
Despite the positives, the driving experience wasn’t flawless. During our test, the Waymo exhibited behaviors that might concern a human driver.
Early in the trip, the car nearly ran a stop light. While the light was yellow upon entering the intersection, the car showed no intention of slowing down or stopping. It also drove in dedicated bus lanes and struggled to respond to a parallel parking attempt, inching uncomfortably close to the other vehicle. At one point, it even drove down the middle of two lanes.
The car’s heightened responsiveness to potential obstacles sometimes resulted in jarring and sudden stops. The attention garnered from onlookers also added to the slightly surreal experience.
Final Verdict on Waymo’s Cost and Value
While the driving was occasionally questionable, we generally felt safe. The initial trip was filled with careful observation of the Waymo’s every move, but we relaxed somewhat during the second ride.
Ultimately, we would consider using Waymo again if not in a hurry and if it remains a cheaper alternative. However, it’s important to remember that your payment (plus potential tips) won’t be going to a human driver.
Waymo’s limitations include a smaller fleet and restricted service areas within L.A. County. However, the car generally handled challenging situations like one-way streets and unprotected left turns effectively.
In conclusion, when considering “how much does Waymo cost,” it’s essential to factor in not only the monetary price but also the trade-offs in terms of convenience, driving quality, and the overall experience. While the price may be comparable or slightly cheaper than traditional rideshares, the value proposition extends to the unique autonomous experience, both its benefits and drawbacks.
