The Verge -Zoox can now charge for rides in its steering-wheel-free robotaxis
The Verge reports that now Zoox can get passengers into dangerous situations, just like the other robotaxi companies.
Robotaxi.news
Are robotaxis the future? Or instead, the past?
Robotaxi.news
Are robotaxis the future? Or instead, the past?
News
The news media has expended considerable effort researching and publishing information about the robotaxi business. This channel highlights some of the important articles.
Read MoreThe Verge -Zoox can now charge for rides in its steering-wheel-free robotaxis
SF Standard – Lurie welcomes federal regulation of Waymo and robotaxi industry
SF Standard reports that SF Mayor Lurie is finally realizing that robotaxis need better regulation. Unfortunately instead of doing something about the problem locally (restrict robotaxis from large events) he passes the buck to legislation that will not pass, making it look like he is doing something when actually he is not.
WSB-TV2 – Waymo goes up in flames after rear-end crash
WSB-TV2 and FOX5 report on how a Waymo burned to the ground after being in a collision. Fortunately there were no passengers because there is a good chance they would not have been able to exit the vehicle in time.
Los Angeles Times – Multiple people injured in collision involving Waymo near downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles Times reports on yet another Waymo crash, this one involving multiple injuries. Waymo will try to hide behind their vehicle not being at legal fault. But the issue isn't a legal one. It is about how to avoid such crashes in the first place. The best way to avoid crashes is to have fewer cars, something Waymo does the opposite of.
Financial Times – Waymo explores split with Uber as robotaxi tensions deepen
The Financial TImes confirms that Waymo and Uber are most definitely getting a divorce.
SF Standard – Waymo meltdowns, Lurie pressure, spur push for tougher robotaxi rules
SF Standard reports that Mayor Lurie is finally realizing that Waymos are causing repeated problems in San Francisco and that more regulations are needed for robotaxis.
KRON4 – Zoox recalls fleet after robotaxi enters smoky emergency scene
KRON4 reports that Zoox had to recall their entire fleet due to their clankers not being able to avoid active emergency scenes.
SF Chronicle – S.F. July 4 traffic meltdown: Lurie urges state leaders to clamp down on Waymo
SF Chronicle reports that San Francisco Mayor Lurie has finally realized that Waymo robotaxis are only half baked and absolutely cannot handle large events and other complicated situations.
SF Chronicle – ‘They’re going to kill me’: A Waymo rider was trapped inside as vandals smashed the robotaxi
SF Chronicle reports how a rider of a robotaxi was attacked and Waymo was completely unhelpful. Shame there was no driver around to maneuver the car out of the dangerous sistuationl
FastCompany – Waymo’s July 4 chaos in San Francisco raises new questions about how robotaxis can work at scale
FastCompany reports that cities need to be able restrict robotaxis from areas where there are large events. Otherwise they tend to consistently cause havoc.
SF Chronicle – Emails to S.F. leaders suggest July 4 traffic meltdown was sparked by key road obstructions
Well, well, well. Appears that the divorce between Waymo and Uber is now official. Though it must be said that Waymo was indeed the cause of a great deal of the congestion. Of course the real root of the problem is that some idiot decided to move the 4th of July fireworks to the Golden Gate Bridge where there is far more limited road and transit access. Plus far too many people decided to take cars, including Ubers.
Wired – Uber’s Autonomous Vehicle Strategy: Slow Their Adoption
Not only is Uber divorcing Waymo but they are also trying to sabotage robotaxis in general.
SF Standard – Delays, detours, and passed-out riders: Waymos keep blocking SF firefighters
SF Standard reports that Waymos interfering with emergency responders continues to be completely out of hand. The examples are shocking.
SF Chronicle – Two Bay Area teens up to ‘trouble’ in a Waymo nabbed by police
SF Chronicle reports that a couple of wayward teens managed to ride in a Waymo unaccompanied, which is not legal in California. Drinking, shooting of projectiles, and general hilarity ensued.
SF Standard – Waymos stalled and snarled traffic after SF’s biggest fireworks show in years
SF Standard reports on how once again Waymo vehicles are incompetent at driving and cause complete traffic chaos.
