How Tampa riders are adapting to Waymo's driverless taxis

Waymo’s driverless taxi service is operating across approximately 50 square miles of Tampa, with routes currently being tested in Pinellas County. The company has been in the market for several years and now serves 15 cities, including Orlando and Miami. For residents, the service provides a new option for getting around, particularly for those who no longer drive themselves.

Laura Sneed, director of outreach and engagement for AARP Florida, stated that having more transportation options is important. She noted that the service is exciting for people who may not feel comfortable driving at night. AARP has implemented a buddy system to help older adults learn how to use the app to request rides and unlock the vehicles. Sneed pointed out that people often outlive their ability to drive by seven years, making accessible transit a key concern.

Chelsea Bridges, a certified vision rehabilitation therapist with Lighthouse for the Blind and Low Vision in Tampa, has taken the service seven times. She described the learning curve, noting that the vehicle is higher than normal, which can cause her foot to catch. Bridges also mentioned that identifying the correct car can be difficult. During a recent 10-minute ride toward Oxford Exchange, she observed that the vehicle drives aggressively, changing lanes without hesitation. She appreciated the automated voice that announces when the drop-off point is near.

Bridges highlighted that Waymo allows guide dogs, a benefit she said is sometimes missing in other services. Debbie Malone, president of the National Federation for the Blind of Florida chapter in Tampa, said some riders are denied service simply for using a white cane. With Waymo, service animals are accepted, removing one barrier for passengers with visual impairments.

Safety remains a topic of discussion. Arman Sargolzaei from the Center for Urban Transportation Research said passengers do not have to worry about a driver’s cognitive state during late-night rides. Waymo spokesperson Hannah Tuten said the technology is transformative for people who cannot or choose not to drive. The company reports 95 percent fewer serious injury crashes compared to human drivers, though these statistics do not yet include Tampa data.

Locally, a group of University of Tampa students experienced a glitch after a Buccaneers game this month. Their vehicle drove on the wrong side of the road before stopping without hitting anything. Waymo called the issue temporary and said it is reviewing the event to improve the system. Student Matthew Reardon said he would ride again but likely not from a large crowd. Before launching, the company mapped the area using AI simulations and now relies on LiDAR sensors to measure distances and plan routes.