Getting into a car with no one behind the wheel can be a little weird the first time.You know the car is supposed to drive itself, but part of you no doubt may still feel uneasy.Waymo is trying to make that moment feel less anxious with its new Ojai robotaxi.
It has more room to stretch out, bigger screens to control the ride and a cabin built for passengers from the very start.That could make a real difference.If driverless rides are going to become something you actually use, they need to feel safe, simple and comfortable once the doors close.CHINA’S FIRST MASS-PRODUCED FLYING CAR DEBUTSWaymo’s new Ojai robotaxi is designed around passengers, with more legroom, bigger screens and accessibility features.
(Allen J.Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)Waymo says the first public Ojai rides will begin in the coming weeks.
Select riders in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix will get the first chance to try it.The rides will be free for a limited time while Waymo gathers feedback and refines the experience.
Access will then expand gradually to more riders and more cities.Waymo also says Denver, Las Vegas and San Diego are on its expansion list before the company opens the doors wider later this year.For now, interested riders can use the Waymo app and sign up as a Trusted Tester.The Ojai looks like Waymo's attempt to rethink what a robotaxi should feel like from the inside.
Instead of feeling like a regular car with self-driving tech added in, the Ojai was built around the rider experience.Waymo describes it as a more expansive cabin with extra legroom, a flat floor and a low step-in height.
That could help when you are carrying groceries, traveling with luggage or getting in and out with less mobility.WAYMO TEAMS UP WITH WAZE TO SPOT POTHOLES FASTERThe Ojai cabin gives riders three large adaptive screens.You can use them to adjust parts of the ride, including the temperature and music.Waymo also added charging ports and cup holders.
Those may sou...