NY Times – Self-Driving Taxis Are Catching On. Are You Ready?
NY Times reports on how there are more and more robotaxis, and they take a ride on a Zoox.
Robotaxi.news
Are robotaxis the future? Or instead, the past?
Robotaxi.news
Are robotaxis the future? Or instead, the past?
Safety
All the robotaxi companies claim that their safety is much better than obsolete human drivers. But are they really safer given that they seem to crash so often? This clearly needs to be investigated further.
Read MoreNY Times – Self-Driving Taxis Are Catching On. Are You Ready?
Austin American-Statesman – Tesla reports 4 Austin robotaxi crashes in September as it preps to remove safety monitors
Waymo, the industry leader, reported 9 crashes. It has nearly four times as many autonomous ride-hailing vehicles operating in the city. Editors note: Tesla’s robotaxis have had 7 crashes since their service started and 4 in September alone. And this is with “safety drivers” as backup. It is quite clear…
Reddit – My Tesla Robotaxi “safety” driver fell asleep
Tesla can't even be bothered to have a "safety" driver that actually provides safety.
SF Chronicle – A Waymo robotaxi killed a beloved S.F. cat. Now a city supervisor wants driverless car reform
SF Chronicle reports on on Supervisor Jackie Fielder of San Francisco is trying to push for state legislation to allow local control of robotaxis. This was motivated by Waymo killing a beloved bodega cat.
KRON – Waymo pledges donation after beloved San Francisco corner store cat struck, killed
KRON reports that Waymo acknowledges that one of their robotaxis struck and killed a beloved cat. But hey, they promise to make a donation to an unrelated cause.
SF Standard – Waymo robotaxi kills ‘one-of-a-kind’ bodega cat, owner claims
SF Standard reports that a Waymo robotaxi ran over and killed a beloved bodega cat. Apparently this was to even the score after a Waymo killed a dog back in '23.
The Lever – Robotaxis’ Dream Regulator Takes The Wheel
The Lever reports that a regulator, who is more interested in promoting rather than regulating AVs, has been appointed as the new head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Fast Company – Tesla’s ‘Robotaxi’ service is no Waymo
Fast Company reports on taking the Tesla "robotaxi" service in the Bay Area, and concludes that it simply isn't a real service. Limited availability, long wait times, and of course the human in the driver seat. Smoke and mirrors.
ArsTechnica – Tesla FSD gets worse at driving, NHTSA opens new investigation
ArsTechnica reports on how Tesla FSD has actually been performing worse lately. And the NHTSA opens up a new investigation due to numerous reports of FSD traffic violations.
Reuters – US probes driver assistance software in 2.9 million Tesla vehicles over traffic violations
Reuters reports that NHTSA is once again investigating problems with the Tesla FSD system, this time due to numerous reported traffic violations and crashes.
Autonomous System Safety by Phil Koopman – Waymo Has Improved Their Safety Messaging
Phil Koopman, leading authority on AV safety, reports on how Waymo has finally backed off of their unsupported claim that their robotaxis reduce fatalities
Autonomous System Safety by Phil Koopman – Blame-Free Robotaxi Crashes Are Still Crashes
Phil Koopman, leading authority on AV safety, reports on how "blame" is not appropriate metric for crashes. Therefore AVs are not nearly as "safe" as they are purported to be by their manufactures.
KGW8 – Waymo driverless car caught illegally passing school bus
kGW8 reports that once again, Waymos simply do not follow laws. This time it passed a school bus that had its stop sign out and lights obviously flashing red.
SF Chronicle – Waymo driverless car stopped by Bay Area police during DUI operation
SF Chronicle reports that since a Waymo robotaxi made an illegal U-turn it was pulled over by the police. Unfortunately robotaxis cannot be given tickets currently.
Reuters – Tesla settles two lawsuits on 2019 California crashes related to Autopilot software
Reuters reports on how Tesla suddenly settled two "Autopilot" crash lawsuits, not long after losing a $243 million verdict against the company.
