Would you ride in a driverless taxi?

The car arrives and the driver’s seat is empty

Booking transport through an app is familiar. Having a vehicle arrive with nobody behind the wheel changes the questions: how do you say you are ready, what if you want to get out early, and who responds if the journey is interrupted?

Robotaxis already carry passengers in some cities. In May 2026, Waymo announced a gradual introduction of passengers to its Ojai vehicle, initially in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles. This is one example of an expanding commercial service, not universal availability. [2]

We will use Waymo as a specific example to explain the experience. Other companies may have different controls, vehicles, service areas and rules. A driverless service should also be distinguished from a trial with a safety driver behind the wheel.

What the driving system does

In a driverless robotaxi, the system handles driving within its operating conditions. In Waymo’s case, cameras, radar and laser sensors provide information about the surroundings. Software uses it to decide how to proceed. [1]

That autonomy has an operating scope. For a passenger, the practical question is whether the service accepts the pickup point and destination. Seeing a vehicle on a city street does not mean you can book it for any address, road or conditions.

How a journey starts

Waymo’s process involves selecting a destination in its app, accessing the assigned vehicle, fastening your seat belt and starting the trip on the screen or app. The screen also lets you request assistance. [1]

Before booking, check the displayed fare and pickup point. If you have luggage, children or someone who needs help getting in, check the operator’s specific conditions. Having no driver also means that person will not be there to help physically with a suitcase or boarding. Do not assume every vehicle offers the same accessibility.

If you want to stop or need help

Waymo provides a function to request an early stop, labelled Pull over in English. The vehicle looks for a place to stop; this is not an instruction to brake instantly. You can also contact Support through the screen or app. [1]

Find these options before starting your first journey. Wait until the car is stationary and check for traffic before opening the door. Do not try to resolve an interruption by handling the driving controls. In a genuine emergency, contact local emergency services and follow their instructions.

What a person in a remote centre does

In February 2026, Waymo explained that remote assistance responds to questions from the automated system, providing information it may accept or reject. According to the company, these agents do not drive the vehicle remotely. [3]

This role should be distinguished from passenger support and teams that can attend in person. Speaking to someone through a screen does not mean that person has taken over the steering. Nor does it justify promising that every unexpected situation will be resolved immediately.

What the safety evidence shows

A study published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in July 2026 compared crash involvement rates per distance travelled. For the Waymos operating without a driver that it studied, the rate of incidents considered comparable to police-reportable crashes was 68% lower than for human drivers in the same areas and years. [4]

Researchers reviewed incident descriptions to reduce differences between autonomous-vehicle reporting requirements and human reporting practices. This is a specific comparison. It does not mean every robotaxi is “68% safer”, nor does it calculate your individual risk on a trip. IIHS also highlights the need for better data collection to assess these fleets.

Favourable results do not eliminate failures

In March 2026, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) published preliminary information about a 12 January incident in Austin. A Waymo passed a school bus with its stop signals active. No crash occurred. [5]

The report describes an incorrect remote-assistance response before the vehicle continued. The investigation remained open in the information reviewed; it should not be presented as a final determination of cause. This case identifies a particular failure worth examining. On its own, it cannot establish the failure rate across a fleet. Assessment needs both comparable data and investigation of incidents.

In London, check what “autonomous” means

Uber and Wayve announced the start of supervised autonomous rides in London on 3 September 2026. Their announcement specified a licensed safety driver on board in the initial phase. It also described an option to accept the offered vehicle or switch to a conventional ride. [6]

Read the exact operating model before picturing an empty driver’s seat. Announcing a trial, starting a supervised service and offering driverless journeys are different stages. Check availability in the app and the operator’s current notices; this example describes the conditions announced at that launch.

Check privacy before boarding too

Waymo discloses the use of interior cameras to support safety and its service. Travelling without a driver does not mean the cabin is unobserved or unrecorded. [1]

As a practical checklist, review coverage, fare, pickup, accessibility, data use and help channels. Once inside, check how to start the ride and request a stop. These questions give you more to base a decision on than an eye-catching video or a promise of absolute safety.

Would you get in? Start by asking what you would need to know about that particular service to feel comfortable in the seat.

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