The driverless taxi service, Waymo One, is making waves in Los Angeles, sparking curiosity among residents as it navigates the city streets autonomously.
On November 13, the team at Radio Seoul took Waymo from Wilshire and Oxford to the Good Samaritan Hospital on the east side of Koreatown. Waymo operates similarly to traditional ride-share services like Uber and Lyft but stands out due to its distinctive features aimed at maximizing user convenience.
Unlike other ride-share services where passengers need to confirm the vehicle license plate through an app, Waymo’s roof displays a digital sign with the passenger’s initials, making it easier for users to spot their ride from afar.
Once near the vehicle, users open the car door through the Waymo One app and are greeted with an interactive screen providing information about the service, directing them to fasten their seatbelts, and outlining the safety protocols.
A significant advantage of Waymo is that passengers can monitor their entire route on a screen, which reassures users that the car is on track to the destination. Unlike Uber or Lyft drivers who may sometimes deviate or require assistance from passengers to find the route, Waymo follows its pre-set path, ensuring a smooth and efficient trip.
Another convenience is that Waymo waits a few moments after passengers exit, reducing the chances of leaving behind personal items. With other ride-share services, passengers sometimes forget items in the vehicle; Waymo’s brief post-drop-off waiting period can help prevent such losses.
Additionally, Waymo boasts a shorter waiting time for bookings. Unlike Uber or Lyft, where ride cancellations and long waits due to driver availability are common, Waymo operates more reliably.
Currently, Waymo operates around 700 vehicles across Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Phoenix, with 100 vehicles running in LA. The company plans to expand both its fleet and service areas beyond Koreatown, Downtown LA, and parts of Santa Monica.
Korean residents interested in using Waymo can download the “Waymo One” app, register, and start using the service immediately.
Eun Lee/Reporter
