Self-driving Waymos secure final clearance for expansion beyond S.F

Privacy & Data Use

• Some riders are wary of giving Google/Waymo detailed location histories, especially for sensitive trips.
• Others argue phones already leak similar data; debate over whether Google is effectively a “data broker.”
• Waymo’s policy allows sharing data for ad targeting under California law, but not selling raw data; some see this as standard ad-tech profiling, others as unacceptable.

User Experience & Ride Quality

• Many SF and Phoenix users strongly prefer Waymo over Uber/Lyft: predictable cars, quiet, good AC, no small talk, helpful with babies and sleep.
• Ability to set music profiles that persist across rides is appreciated.
• Some report glitches (e.g., AC bug or car refusing optimal drop‑off point), causing frustration.

Pricing & Economics

• Most report ~10% higher base prices than Uber/Lyft, but comparable after tips; some see much higher.
• Riders expect prices to drop with scale, but others think Waymo will charge what the market bears, especially while supply is limited.
• Debate whether AVs’ real point is cost savings for operators vs cheaper rides for users.

Safety, Speed & Driving Behavior

• Waymos are described as cautious: slower than traffic, long stop‑sign pauses, very courteous to cyclists.
• Some see this as a key safety benefit; others complain about longer trips and human drivers doing risky maneuvers to pass.
• Large subthread debates speed limits vs “flow of traffic” and whether slower AVs are objectively safer or create new hazards; consensus: humans often drive badly, but independent, non–vendor safety data is still desired.

Coverage, Routing & Airports

• Big limitations: no SFO service, historically no or limited freeway use, constrained geographic coverage (esp. Phoenix suburbs).
• Routing often avoids highways and prefers side streets, making some trips much longer; this is a major complaint for time‑critical trips (e.g., airport).

Autonomy vs Remote Assistance

• Waymo says cars are self‑driving but can receive guidance from “fleet response” operators.
• Operators can suggest paths or lane choices when cars get stuck, but reportedly don’t joystick‑drive the vehicle.
• Some commenters distrust the lack of detailed metrics (e.g., interventions per mile) and suspect heavier remote involvement.

Labor, Society & Politics

• Ethical tension: fans like not dealing with drivers; critics see this as dehumanizing and cheering job loss.
• Some view AVs as a way to remove dangerous human drivers; others emphasize economic harm to drivers.
• Local political opposition (e.g., SFO restrictions, safety FUD) is seen by some as disproportionate given reported safety.

Cleanliness & Maintenance

• Current fleet is consistently clean and new; skepticism about whether this will hold post‑“honeymoon phase.”
• Waymo has cleaning policies, cameras, and fee schedules for messes; some think centralized fleet management will outperform gig drivers, others expect standards to erode when competition thins.

Vandalism & Abuse

• Concern that widespread deployment may trigger more vandalism (already a few high‑profile incidents), or YouTubers probing edge cases to confuse cars.