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Waymo Begins Testing Self-Driving Vehicles without Backup Drivers

Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo autonomous driving development unit is offering test rides for consumers in a self-driving Chrysler Pacifica hybrid-electric minivan that has no backup driver onboard.
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Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo autonomous driving development unit is offering test rides for consumers in a self-driving Chrysler Pacifica hybrid-electric minivan that has no backup driver onboard.

The company released a promotional video this week that shows riders reacting to the vehicle as they’re driven along a suburban street in Phoenix. The tests are part of Waymo’s "early rider" program.

Waymo has tested the automated Pacificas in 24 cities across the U.S. Most of the demonstrations have occurred on public roads in five states: Arizona, California, Michigan, Texas and Washington. Until now, all tests with passengers have included a backup driver.

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