Waymo isn't going to revolutionize transportation until it costs less than an Uber or Lyft. Right now it's just a novell way for high salaried folks to get around or to show off when family is in town. In my experience it's been 25-50% costlier than the competition.
Sure, there are a lot of engineers to pay, but the same applies to Uber and Lyft.
Since Uber and Lyft make no money it's not a reasonable comparison, they are only cheap because they are financed by VC money. Uber and Lyft only exists today because there's an expectation that in a not so distant future they'll be able to replace all their pesky drivers that demand compensation and benefits for Waymos.
Possibly only because drivers don't realize the hidden cost of insurance, maintenance, accidents, fuel, etc. It's anyone's guess if there is a limitless supply of desperate drivers, or if they will wise up.
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Waymo isn't going to revolutionize transportation until it costs less than an Uber or Lyft. Right now it's just a novell way for high salaried folks to get around or to show off when family is in town. In my experience it's been 25-50% costlier than the competition.
Sure, there are a lot of engineers to pay, but the same applies to Uber and Lyft.
Since Uber and Lyft make no money it's not a reasonable comparison, they are only cheap because they are financed by VC money. Uber and Lyft only exists today because there's an expectation that in a not so distant future they'll be able to replace all their pesky drivers that demand compensation and benefits for Waymos.
Uber is significantly profitable.
Possibly only because drivers don't realize the hidden cost of insurance, maintenance, accidents, fuel, etc. It's anyone's guess if there is a limitless supply of desperate drivers, or if they will wise up.
My recent experiences puts them at +$4-8 the cost, so similar price after tip. The biggest limiting factor for me is service range and +20% ride times