After a rough start, self-driving cars have gained popularity in San Francisco, with locals and tourists embracing the convenience of Waymo’s driverless taxis. Last summer, Waymo offered 10,000 paid rides a week, but by May 2023, that number had jumped to 50,000. Now, across Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, Waymo handles over 100,000 weekly rides, solidifying its place in the robotaxi market.

Demand has risen due to Waymo’s expansion and improvements, particularly in San Francisco, which now operates 300 vehicles. This growth contrasts sharply with last year when locals expressed safety concerns and demanded that self-driving cars be removed from city streets. Public sentiment has shifted, with people preferring Waymo for its privacy and ease.

Despite some roadblocks, such as occasional breakdowns, Waymo’s technology has primarily gained trust. To continue expanding, the company has focused on marketing campaigns and partnerships, such as with Uber. 

With plans to launch in new cities like Atlanta and Austin and even considering global expansion, Waymo is leading the robotaxi race.

However, challenges remain, including profitability and safety concerns, especially after its competitor, Cruise, lost its permits following a severe incident. Despite these hurdles, Waymo’s progress marks a significant shift in public acceptance of autonomous vehicles in San Francisco.