Robotaxis drive empty nearly half the time, raising doubts about traffic reduction promises
By
Jonathan M. Gitlin
Summary
The article examines the reality of autonomous robotaxis, focusing on Waymo's commercial service data. While proponents claim robotaxis will be safer than human drivers (Waymo's data shows fewer crashes), a critical issue emerges: robotaxis drive empty for nearly half their miles. This raises questions about whether autonomous vehicles will actually reduce traffic congestion as promised, or potentially worsen it due to empty cruising.
Source
bskyRobotaxis drive empty nearly half the time, raising doubts about traffic reduction promisesarstechnica.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledProponents of the technology, which has attracted at least $100 billion in investment, say robotaxis will be safer than human-driven vehicles.
Waymo's data showed its cars were involved in many fewer crashes than human drivers
Data shows Waymo's robotaxis are empty for almost half of the miles they drive.
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