Link: Robotaxis as public transit? Waymo thinks so

Waymo has partnered with Via to incorporate its autonomous vehicles into Chandler, Arizona's Flex microtransit service, enhancing public transportation options.

The service operates weekdays from 6AM to 9PM, offering affordable rides at $2 per trip, with discounts for seniors, wheelchair users, and free rides for school children.

Users can book rides through the Chandler Flex app, where they may soon be matched with a driverless Waymo vehicle, potentially leading to broader adoption of autonomous technology.

The partnership could significantly influence urban transit systems by integrating cost-effective, autonomous rides within established public transit routes.

However, there are concerns that autonomous vehicles could draw riders away from traditional public transit, potentially necessitating service reductions.

Despite these concerns, this collaboration between Waymo and Via could serve as a model for other cities looking to blend autonomous technology with microtransit solutions. #

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Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.