Google asks residents to take free rides in its self driving cars

Google's self-driving car project, Waymo, has started inviting locals of Phoenix, US to take free rides in Google's self-driving car, according to the post written by the Waymo CEO on Medium. It also plans to add 500 Chrysler Pacifica minivans to its existing fleet of cars.

This isn't the first time that Waymo is doing so. It has previously offered rides in Mountain View. Inviting locals would essentially mean understanding the issues that could actually crop up when humans ride these driverless cars. This could give it an edge over others.

Apart from educating people and a wider exposure or acceptance of the service, it would also bring understand unexpected scenarios and safety concerns, if any. These cars offering free rides will be monitored at all times.

The post also talks about an American family that has been riding around in the self-driving fleet of cars. And, it is now inviting other residents to join in by signing up here. "Our early riders will play an important role in shaping the way we bring self-driving technology into the world — through personal cars, public transportation, ride-hailing, logistics and more," the post reads.

• Google
• self driving
• Uber
• Autonomous
• Driverless cars