Waymo rides cost more than Uber or Lyft and people are paying anyway
Waymo’s driverless taxis often cost more than Uber or Lyft, yet many riders say they willingly pay a premium for what they see as a safer, cleaner, more predictable, and more private experience — including no tipping pressure and no risk of awkward or unsafe drivers. Others point out trade-offs: limited coverage, slower or more constrained routing, and fears that large-scale automation will worsen job loss, customer service, or long‑term pricing once the novelty fades. The exchange also highlights broader cultural shifts, from resistance to phone calls and small talk to distrust of human‑run services whose reliability and quality have declined over time.
Why Riders Pay a Premium for Waymo
- Many commenters say they deliberately choose Waymo even when it’s more expensive.
- Key motivations:
- No need to tip or stress over ratings.
- Private space: no driver, no small talk, no smells, no pressure.
- Novelty and “riding the future” appeal, especially for visitors.
Perceived Safety, Comfort, and Consistency
- Numerous reports of bad Uber/Lyft experiences: reckless or sleepy driving, drivers high/drunk, strong odors, loud calls or media, unsafe late‑night situations.
- Waymo is seen as:
- More predictable in driving style (smooth, non‑aggressive, better around cyclists/pedestrians).
- More trustworthy than “a random human” for many, especially women, parents, and those prone to motion sickness.
- Some still feel “autonomavertigo” and distrust giving up control, but they are a minority in this thread.
Human Interaction, Tipping, and Cultural Shifts
- Strong theme: people will pay extra to avoid awkward or stressful social interactions (drivers, phone calls, upselling, tipping prompts).
- Tipping is a major psychological factor: some overtip heavily, others refuse; several say they’d rather pay a higher all‑in price than deal with tipping at all.
- Commenters note generational and cultural differences (US vs Europe/Japan) in tolerance for phone calls and face‑to‑face service.
Pricing, Value, and Profitability
- Some data in the article and anecdotes show Waymo ~30–50% more per km; others report Waymo often cheaper (especially vs Uber Black or “comfort” tiers).
- Once tips and upgrades are included, several argue the effective gap is smaller or even reversed.
- Unclear whether Waymo is profitable; many assume current prices are shaped by high capex, limited fleet, and market-testing rather than true marginal cost.
Cleanliness, Maintenance, and Future Drift
- Today’s Waymos are consistently described as clean, well‑maintained Jaguars or Ioniqs.
- Skeptics predict “enshittification”: dirtier interiors, more aggressive optimization, more nickel‑and‑diming as competition settles.
- Others argue centralized depots, cameras, and easy reporting give Waymo better long‑term tools to keep cars clean than individual gig drivers.
Labor, Society, and Alternatives
- Tension between loving the product and worrying about displacing low‑skill drivers and worsening already poor human‑centric services (call centers, bureaucracy).
- Debate over whether AVs should complement or replace public transit; some see them as superior taxis, others as a distraction from building good transit.
Coverage, Reliability, and Edge Cases
- Big practical downside: limited service areas and fleet size; in many cities Uber/Lyft or taxis are still the only option.
- Some concern about remote operators behind the scenes and about constant in‑cabin surveillance and data retention.