Waymo vs. Uber: Is a robotaxi better in San Francisco?

When it comes to getting a ride in San Francisco, is a robot better than a human? It’s a question that this city is uniquely positioned to answer.
San Francisco is where Uber and Lyft got their start last decade. It’s also where, since last fall, robotaxi companies Waymo and Cruise started their commercial driverless ride-hailing operations in California.
Chronicle reporters tested Waymo and Uber on several routes in the city's most challenging neighborhoods.
Read more: www.sfchronicle.com/projects/...
Video credit: Alyona Uvarova
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[@IlyaSpektor]

the whole point of robotaxies is for them to be cheaper than options with human drivers, so why waymo actually more expensive?

[@RayJames-mk3yq]

In the long run they'll be cheaper. It will take a while though for economies of scale and market forces to get there. Years. In the meantime you don't have to interact with a driver, or tip, and it's probably safer than some of the drivers already, eventually it will be safer than all of them.

[@ottodidakt3069]

No way Waymo, ditch the bots, I want a human. Then f***k uberisation, a Cab is fine for me !

[@SDuapveer11]

One more question.. Does Waymo have a way of protecting their occupant's from would be robbers (outside of locked doors) if someone attacks or would they just sit there and let it happen?

[@arcticredpanda4598]

door locks are hard

[@SDuapveer11]

@@arcticredpanda4598 what about windows?