Traveling is all about discovering new experiences, and when our agent Kati and her husband, Patrick, found themselves in Phoenix, Arizona, they had the perfect opportunity to try something revolutionary in the world of transportation: Waymo, a self-driving ride share service. It’s not every day that you get to step into a car without a driver behind the wheel, and Kati was more than eager to share her experience with us. Here’s the full story of her and Patrick’s first ride with Waymo, and how they embraced this futuristic mode of travel.

The First Sighting of Waymo

Upon arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Kati and Patrick were immediately intrigued by their first sighting of a self-driving Waymo vehicle. They watched as a few adventurous travelers confidently hopped into the driverless cars and were whisked away to their destinations. It was clear to them that this was an experience they couldn’t pass up during their stay.

Kati and Patrick had been hearing about Waymo for a while and were curious to see if it lived up to the hype. After seeing others embrace the futuristic transportation method, they decided they had to try it themselves. The next day, they took the plunge and downloaded the Waymo app to request their first ride.

Getting Started with Waymo

The process of using Waymo was surprisingly similar to other ride-share services like Uber or Lyft. However, Kati and Patrick soon learned that Waymo’s service area isn’t as extensive as traditional ride-sharing services. They found that they could only travel within a limited area—about a 30-minute radius from their location. This meant that they could use Waymo for a trip to Old Town Scottsdale, but it wasn’t feasible for longer rides across the city.

Once they had the app set up and the destination selected, it was time to meet their ride. They walked to the designated pick-up location right outside The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, where they were pleasantly surprised to find that the Waymo vehicle would wait for them for up to five minutes, just like a traditional ride-share service.

The Waymo Experience: A Driverless Ride

As Kati and Patrick approached their self-driving vehicle, the experience felt surreal. Waymo’s vehicles are designed to be as easy to use as any other ride-share service. Before entering, they verified the license plate and were provided with a two-letter ID that flashed above the vehicle. The app then prompted them to unlock the doors, and from there, they were able to decide whether they wanted the car to unlock automatically or wait for their command to unlock. They chose the latter for an extra sense of control.

Upon entering the car, they were greeted with warm instructions on how to enjoy the ride. They were told to buckle up and refrain from touching the driver’s seat or steering wheel. It was made clear that while there are cameras inside the car to monitor the ride, no audio is recorded unless the passengers need to connect directly with support.

One of the most exciting features was the ability to control the music and climate within the vehicle. Kati and Patrick were encouraged to select their favorite music from a variety of Iheart Radio stations, and they were able to adjust the temperature to their liking. It felt very much like being in any other ride-share, except this time, there was no human driver!

The vehicle was designed to hold up to four passengers, so it’s a great option for small groups or families. However, if you need a car seat for a child, you are required to bring and install your own.

The Journey Begins: A Smooth and Safe Ride

As soon as they were settled into their seats, the ride began. The car moved effortlessly, and Kati and Patrick were instantly impressed by the smoothness of the journey. Despite the lack of a visible driver, they quickly felt safe and comfortable. The car seamlessly navigated traffic, and they couldn’t help but notice how the vehicle would pass other drivers or find the most efficient route to their destination.

What truly struck them was the car’s ability to yield at green lights and make sharp turns without hesitation. It felt almost eerie how natural the ride seemed. They realized they were witnessing technology that was shaping the future of transportation—an experience that felt like it belonged in a sci-fi movie, but it was happening in real life.

They made it to Old Town Scottsdale without incident, and the ride was so enjoyable that they decided to book another Waymo back to the resort after lunch. Along the way, they noticed many curious onlookers, some even taking pictures of the “driverless” car with passengers inside. It felt a little like being celebrities for choosing this bold form of transportation!

More About Waymo

Waymo is a leader in the autonomous vehicle industry, and its mission is to make transportation safer and more accessible through self-driving technology. The company was founded in 2009 as part of Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc. Since its inception, Waymo has made significant strides in the development and deployment of self-driving vehicles, first testing the technology in California before expanding to cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and soon, other major locations across the United States.

As of now, Waymo offers its services in the Phoenix area, and passengers can request rides via the app in areas such as Chandler, Mesa, and Tempe. However, Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are also operational in other cities, including San Francisco, where they are used for limited ride-share programs.

One of the most significant achievements of Waymo is its commitment to safety. Autonomous vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors and technologies that allow them to perceive their surroundings and make decisions in real-time. This makes Waymo’s cars incredibly safe, and the company has an impressive safety record.

Waymo’s Safety Statistics and Impact on Transportation

Waymo takes safety very seriously. The company’s autonomous vehicles have logged millions of miles on public roads, testing their ability to navigate complex driving environments. According to the company’s data, Waymo’s self-driving cars have driven over 20 million miles in autonomous mode as of 2024, with zero fatalities during this period. In comparison, human drivers are responsible for over 30,000 fatalities annually in the U.S. alone.

While autonomous technology is still evolving, Waymo’s vehicles are designed to anticipate potential hazards and respond to unexpected situations quickly. The vehicles are equipped with a variety of sensors, including LiDAR, radar, and cameras, that provide a 360-degree view of the surrounding environment. These sensors allow the vehicles to detect objects, pedestrians, and other vehicles with high accuracy, ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience.

As of now, Waymo’s autonomous vehicles have been rigorously tested in various conditions, from dense urban environments to more rural settings. This testing is crucial for ensuring that the vehicles are prepared to handle a wide range of situations, from heavy traffic to inclement weather.

A New Era of Travel and Transportation

Kati’s experience with Waymo was a thrilling glimpse into the future of travel. The ride was smooth, efficient, and safe, and it provided a new level of convenience and comfort. For those who want to experience this cutting-edge technology, Waymo offers an exciting way to travel in select cities across the United States.

Whether you’re a traveler seeking a new adventure or someone who simply wants to try out the latest in transportation innovation, Waymo is an experience you don’t want to miss. It’s clear that autonomous vehicles will play a significant role in the future of travel and daily commutes, and Kati and Patrick’s adventure in Phoenix was a memorable step into that future.

If you’re planning a trip to Phoenix or other Waymo-serviced areas, be sure to give this innovative ride-share service a try. Who knows—maybe you’ll be the next person to hop into a self-driving car and enjoy the ride of the future!