A passenger named Mike Johns says his driverless Waymo taxi trapped him in a bizarre ordeal, endlessly circling a parking lot and causing him to miss his flight. The incident, captured on video, highlights challenges in autonomous ride services.
Passenger stranded as Waymo circles repeatedly
Johns contacted Waymo’s customer service during the incident but found no resolution as the vehicle completed eight circles without reaching its destination. The situation left him frustrated, likening the experience to a science fiction thriller or a prank.
Frustrations over missed flight and lack of support
After missing his flight, Johns expressed disappointment with Waymo’s lack of empathy, claiming the company has not reimbursed him. He criticized the automated, AI-driven customer service for its inability to address urgent issues.
Waymo faces growing pains in autonomous taxi rollout
As a division of Alphabet Inc., Waymo is a leader in driverless technology, but incidents like this expose operational hiccups that need improvement. Johns, soured by the experience, plans to use traditional ride-hailing services like Lyft or Uber in the future.
Autonomous vehicles face scrutiny amid reliability concerns
The incident raises questions about the reliability of autonomous taxis and their readiness for widespread adoption. As companies refine the technology, customer experiences like Johns’ highlight areas where safety and efficiency must be prioritized.
