Waymo Lets Teens Ride Alone in Robotaxis
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, is expanding its services to include teenagers. Starting Tuesday, teens aged 14 to 17 in Phoenix, Arizona, can use Waymo's robotaxi service unaccompanied, with parental oversight.
Waymo is introducing a new account type for teens, allowing them to hail a robotaxi and ride alone. Parents can monitor their teen's trip in real-time if the teen chooses to share the location. Initially, this service will be available in the Metro Phoenix area where Waymo's vehicles operate.
The company is also planning to launch this service in Miami and Washington next year, and is currently gathering data in other markets, including New York City. Waymo's move comes as a response to Uber's teen offering, which launched earlier this year and is available in 50 countries.
Waymo has taken steps to ensure safety, including recalling vehicles in the past due to isolated accidents. Specially trained support agents will be available to assist teens during rides and can loop in parents if needed.
Waymo's expansion into the teen market is a significant step, with over 1,500 driverless cars now completing over 250,000 paid passenger trips per week, a five-fold increase from last year. This move not only broadens Waymo's demographic but also intensifies competition in the autonomous vehicle industry.
