Waymo Signs Up Consumers to Sample Self-Driving Cars

Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo autonomous car unit is preparing to allow hundreds of selected consumers in Phoenix to ride in its self-driving vehicles.

Waymo has been testing the idea with a handful of Phoenix residents for the past two months, Bloomberg News notes. But until now, virtually all Waymo tests of self-driving technology have been restricted to company employees or contractors.

CEO John Krafcik says Waymo wants to find out how real people from all walks of life will use and respond to the technology. Rider also will experience new displays developed by the company to help them feel more comfortable in an automated vehicle.

Participants in the so-called “early rider” program will use a smartphone app to book one of 500 specially equipped Chrysler Pacifica minivans (pictured) at no charge day or night.

Riders will sit in the passenger seat, however. A Waymo employee or contractor will occupy the driver’s seat, at least initially, to assume control of the vehicle if necessary. Krafcik says Waymo’s goal is to eventually let consumers experience truly driverless vehicles.

Waymo started its self-driving research program in 2009 as Google Project X and has logged nearly 3 million test miles of testing on public roads since then. The company envisions self-driving vehicles being used in a variety of applications, ranging from automated taxis and last mile/first mile transport to ride-sharing and personal ownership.