Waymo is allowing people in San Francisco to take trips in its autonomous vehicles (AV) as part of its Trusted Tester research programme.
Riders can use the Waymo One app to request a trip to anywhere within an initial service area that includes bakeries in the Sunset District or a picnic spot in the Golden Gate park.
The Jaguar I-Pace vehicles are equipped with the Waymo Driver system. All rides will have an autonomous specialist on board for now, and users will be to share feedback on the trip.
Waymo is beginning the programme with an initial group of riders that have different mobility levels, including those who require a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
The company will accept more riders in the coming weeks.
In 2017, Waymo vehicles started welcoming riders with an autonomous specialist on board in Metro Phoenix. Since then, it has launched a fully public ride-hailing service.
Waymo’s AVs also operate in areas outside of ride-hailing. In July, it allowed JB Hunt Transport Services to use its autonomous trucking unit to move freight in Texas while also exploring how the technology can enhance safety.
