Would you take a Waymo?

For those who may not know, Waymo is a robotaxi service, similar to Uber and Lyft but without the driver. You may have seen one driving with its prominent spinning sensors all around the car. Created by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, Waymo is now operating in several major U.S. cities after many years of testing, having finally reached Atlanta this past summer. These cars rely on advanced sensors, high-resolution mapping, and artificial intelligence to detect road conditions, avoid hazards, and provide safe transportation. All without a human driver behind the wheel!

Waymo cars are designed with safety as its top priority. I immediately picture the 6 lane highways on Atlanta’s I-75, where driving can become chaotic and reckless. You’ve probably watched your parents stress over traffic, aggressive drivers, or sudden stops. A Waymo ride removes that tension. You may still worry about traffic delays, but you no longer have to continue the stress of whether or not you’ll arrive safely. 

Recently, I had the chance to ride in a Waymo through the Uber app on the way back from a volleyball game. Before the car ride even begins, it walks you through its safety features and reminds everyone to buckle up. My favorite part, though, is the music selection. You get to choose from a wide range of playlists, from country to pop, across twelve different albums! You can sing at the top of your lungs without worrying about the car “judging” you, because, well… it can’t.

Overall, riding in a Waymo feels futuristic, safe, and surprisingly fun. So the real question is: why wouldn’t you take one?

—Ranesa Sobti