Why I Ride with Waymo: Bob
Editor’s Note: In the next “Why I Ride with Waymo” posts, we catch up with Bob and Jean. While they often use Waymo One together, the service offers them unique benefits. First, we will hear from Bob who shares how Waymo One allows them to be a one car household.
Hi there! I’m Bob from Tempe, Arizona, and I do data analytics for an insurance company.
What do you primarily use Waymo One for?
Waymo One allows my partner and I to be a one-car household and gives us options when we need to be in separate places. Additionally, as someone who does a lot of commuting by bike, I’m relieved when I’m riding near a Waymo because I don’t have to worry that it’s texting, drunk, or eating food.
What was your first ride like?
I thought I would be more nervous, but once I got in the car, I was only excited. Even though I’ve been using Waymo One for several months, I still get excited because I like seeing how the experience improves.
Speaking of improving the service, do you give feedback after your rides?
I almost always provide some form of written feedback — both on things it seemed to handle well, and things that can be improved. For example, leaving our neighborhood, there is often a bus waiting for passengers which can obstruct the Waymo from getting in the right turn lane. We provided feedback each time this happened and after a couple times, the Waymo was able to successfully navigate around the parked bus and still get back into the right turn lane.
What is the most difficult part of driving for you and how does Waymo handle it?
In Metro Phoenix, the sun can be a big problem. It bakes the inside of your car when you aren’t in it, and it can blind you when driving. With Waymo, I know the temperature inside the car won’t be scorching when I get in and I don’t have to worry about the sun getting in the “eyes” of the driver.
What do you think the potential is for self-driving cars?
More households can be single car households and save money by not paying for gas, maintenance, registration, and insurance. Self-driving cars will reduce the frequency of accidents and lessen both the financial and emotional impacts of car accidents.
If you could give anyone in history a ride in a Waymo, who would it be and why?
We both grew up in Michigan where much of the history of the automobile industry was created. I think Henry Ford would love to see how much things have changed since his Model T. The mass produced automobile and self-driving car are both engineering marvels. To think we’ve come this far in just over 100 years is no less than incredible!