The Future. Tourists are increasingly reporting that riding in a robotaxi is a key reason why they want to visit the city. Despite their controversial reputation with San Francisco residents, the rider boost from tourists could ensure that the city continues to support the technology’s public experimentation… and fuel expansion to new locations.
Look, ma, no hands!
These days, no trip to San Francisco is apparently complete without a ride in a Waymo.
- While Cruise and Zoox also operate in some form in the city, Waymo is the only self-driving car that offers public rides.
- It’s become a novel way of getting from one tourist hot spot to another. Popular pick-up and drop-off locations include the Ferry Building and Pier 39.
- That’s made the waitlist for the app skyrocket in sign-ups — Anjelica Price-Rocha, a public relations manager for Waymo, recommends that travelers now sign up for the app as soon as they book their trip.
San Francisco officials are likely stoked at this development, especially as the city has undergone a major downturn post-COVID, with rising crime rates and drug use overwhelming residents and hurting businesses.
Now, the city can point to a public innovation that reminds the world it’s still the center of technological advancement… one that has tourists’ travel videos do the marketing for them.
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