TechCrunch – The Waymo-Zeekr robotaxi has come to San Francisco
TechCrunch reports on how Waymo is testing Chinese Zeekr vehicles as a possible replacement for their Jaguar I-Paces. But Congress might limit or ban Chinese connected vehicles.
Robotaxi.news
Are robotaxis the future? Or instead, the past?
Robotaxi.news
Are robotaxis the future? Or instead, the past?
Waymo
Waymo is fortunate to have a better reputation than the rest, but their incident rate is still not acceptable…
Read MoreTechCrunch – The Waymo-Zeekr robotaxi has come to San Francisco
Wired – Waymo Is Suing People Who Allegedly Smashed and Slashed Its Robotaxis
Wired reports on while Waymo doesn't pay to use public streets, it is now suing people for damages when people fight back.
SF Standard – Suspect argues with Waymo before attacking disabled person, fracturing his skull, cops say
SF Standard reports that a drunk person accosted a Waymo, and then attacked a disabled person, rendering them unconscious and in the hospital.
SF Standard – Woman tire-slashed 17 robotaxis, prosecutors say. But Waymo was watching
SF Standard reports that a person who allegedly slashed the tires of 17 Waymo robotaxis is being held in jail without bail. Also, “Waymo is also taking steps to recover the damages sustained". Google has become pure evil.
Washington Post – Cyclists can’t decide whether to fear or love self-driving cars
Washington Post reports that "cyclists can't decide whether to fear or love self-driving cars" and then reports that most cyclists really don't think they are safe. Peculiar. They should have mentioned that the real problem with robotaxis is that it just means more cars, and all cars are a problem.
Fox 10 Phoenix – Driverless Waymo pulled over by Phoenix Police
From Fox 10 in Phoenix. Not only did the police have to pull over another Waymo for driving dangerously, it was because once again the vehicle crossed the center line and drove into oncoming traffic.
SF Chronicle – Waymo opens its driverless robotaxi service to anyone in S.F.
SF Chronicle reports on how San Francisco has now become the 2nd city, after Phoenix, to allow anyone to hail Waymo robotaxi. No more waiting list. Happy tourists! Just like smiling tourists excitingly using Segway scooters in Golden Gate Park!
Senator Cortese statement on the ‘Gutting’ of Key Vehicle Safety Legislation: SB 915
Unfortunately SB 915, legislation to allow local regulations for AVs, was pulled by the author due to other legislatures gutting it. The press release by Senator Cortese is provided here so that readers can understand what happened.
SF Chronicle – Self-driving Waymos secure final clearance for expansion beyond S.F.
The SF Chronicle reports on how the CPUC has upheld its March decision to allow Waymo expansion to San Mateo County and Los Angeles. This was done even though local officials were very much against the expansion.
Waymo hiding their use of fossil fuel energy
While Waymo has long claimed to the public and to the CPUC that they use only clean energy, it turns out their vehicles are actually embarrassingly dirty. And the worst part is that Waymo is trying to hide information from the public that would clearly show that they are not using renewable energy for their surprisingly inefficient vehicles.
TheVerge – Waymo issues software and mapping recall after robotaxi crashes into a telephone pole
The Verge reports that Wayside mo has issued a software update after one of their vehicles crashed into a stationary pole. But Waymo never mentions why the vehicle crashed into a large stationary pole, which shouldn't have happened regardless of mapping or configuration issues.
Not only are Waymo vehicles driverless, they are often passengerless as well
Waymo tries its best to hide information from the public. But by closely looking at what little data is available from the California PUC one can see that Waymo vehicles are empty for 52% of the miles traveled. Instead of reducing VMT, they more than double it for replaced automobile trips.
KTVU – Waymo cars hold up San Francisco traffic after Giants game
Video from KTVU showing two Waymos completely blocking the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Impressive!
CBS News Bay Area – San Francisco’s Telegraph neighborhood seeing robotaxis struggle to navigate area
Waymos keep getting stuck in Telegraph Hill neighborhood of San Francisco.
Reuters – US safety probe into Waymo self-driving vehicles finds more incidents
Reuters reports that the NHTSA has found multiple additional incidents of dangerous driving.
