ADVERTISEMENT

Alphabet's car unit offers free rides with autonomous cars

Waymo said it has been quietly conducting a small-scale trial over the past month in the Phoenix area.

Waymo CEO John Krafcik at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan in January

The rebranded Google car division announced in a blog post late Monday it was taking applications to be part of its "early rider" program in Phoenix, the capital of the US state, and its suburbs.

"We'll be accepting hundreds of people with diverse backgrounds and transportation needs who want to ride in and give feedback about Waymo’s self-driving cars," said Waymo chief executive John Krafcik.

"The goal of this program is to give participants access to our fleet every day, at any time, to go anywhere within an area that's about twice the size of San Francisco."

ADVERTISEMENT

Krafcik said as part of the trial Waymo was adding 500 hybrid minivans to its Arizona fleet -- which began with 100 vehicles -- as the group edges toward a ridesharing system similar to those offered by Uber, Lyft and others.

"We want as many people as possible to experience our technology, and we want to bring self-driving cars to more communities sooner," he said.

"Our early riders will play an important role in shaping the way we bring self-driving technology into the world  --  through personal cars, public transportation, ride-hailing, logistics and more."

The tech giant has done extensive testing of the Google car, but in recent months has been working to adapt its software to operate on other vehicles -- using Chrysler Pacifica cars in Arizona.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler's parent company FCA, said the collaboration "has been advantageous for both companies as we continue to work together to fully understand the steps needed to bring self-driving vehicles to market."

ADVERTISEMENT

Waymo said it has been quietly conducting a small-scale trial over the past month in the Phoenix area, taking participants to work, school, soccer practices and other activities.

Crowded pack

Most major automakers and several other technology firms have been stepping up efforts on autonomous driving in recent years, contending these systems will eliminate the vast majority of road accidents. Apple is the latest to have obtain a testing permit in California.

German luxury carmaker Daimlerand auto parts supplier Bosch announced plans this month to work together to create completely driverless cars in the next few years.

US-based Tesla is also stepping up efforts, as are several Chinese technology firms and the major US, Asian and European manufacturers.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Google car already has undergone millions of miles of testing. But the latest drive appears to be part of an effort to challenge Uber head-on.

The two firms are in the middle of a heated legal battle, with Alphabet filing a lawsuit earlier this year accusing Uber of stealing its technology.

Waymo announced at the Detroit auto show this year that it would develop its self-driving technology with multiple partners, positioning itself as an automotive supplier.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Obasanjo recalls how his late wife went extra mile to get him out of prison

Obasanjo recalls how his late wife went extra mile to get him out of prison

Katsina govt recruits additional 550 security watch corps to fight banditry

Katsina govt recruits additional 550 security watch corps to fight banditry

Lagos Assembly donates ₦5m to girl hit by policeman’s teargas canister

Lagos Assembly donates ₦5m to girl hit by policeman’s teargas canister

US accuses Iran of plotting to assassinate Donald Trump

US accuses Iran of plotting to assassinate Donald Trump

Wike appoints Fayose's former spokesperson as media aide

Wike appoints Fayose's former spokesperson as media aide

Obaseki dissolves cabinet ahead of Okpebholo's swearing-in

Obaseki dissolves cabinet ahead of Okpebholo's swearing-in

Black box of crashed helicopter recovered, search for 3 missing persons continues

Black box of crashed helicopter recovered, search for 3 missing persons continues

Yobe school, closed due to insurgent activities, reopens 12 years later

Yobe school, closed due to insurgent activities, reopens 12 years later

EFCC wants to arrest me next week; I'll use the period for research - Obaseki

EFCC wants to arrest me next week; I'll use the period for research - Obaseki

Pulse Sports

'I will pick him everyday' - Paul Pogba settles Ronaldo vs Messi debate

'I will pick him everyday' - Paul Pogba settles Ronaldo vs Messi debate

Cristiano Ronaldo surpasses the world’s richest female musician on YouTube who is 2 times richer than him

Cristiano Ronaldo surpasses the world’s richest female musician on YouTube who is 2 times richer than him

Most Beautiful: Sha'Carri Richardson turns up with 'boyfriend' Christian Coleman for Cowboys-Falcons game receiving loud ovation

Most Beautiful: Sha'Carri Richardson turns up with 'boyfriend' Christian Coleman for Cowboys-Falcons game receiving loud ovation

'Thank you Lookman' - Nigerians appreciate CAF POTY nominee for helping Osimhen get 'revenge' against Napoli

'Thank you Lookman' - Nigerians appreciate CAF POTY nominee for helping Osimhen get 'revenge' against Napoli

Victor Osimhen reaches out to ex-Super Eagles striker Ighalo after heartbreaking loss

Victor Osimhen reaches out to ex-Super Eagles striker Ighalo after heartbreaking loss

Our Happy Place: Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield become home owners

Our Happy Place: Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield become home owners

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT