Zoox is getting closer to a full launch of its robotaxi service in San Francisco. Last month, the Amazon-owned company started allowing select riders to hail its toaster-shaped, four-passenger vehicles for the first time. And today, Zoox is finally inviting members off its public waitlist, which it calls “Zoox Explorers,” to do the same.
The gradual launch of the company’s robotaxi service is notable, because Zoox is one of the few companies to offer rides in a fully driverless, purpose-built autonomous vehicle that lacks a steering wheel, pedals, sideview mirrors, or other controls typically associated with human driven vehicles. And while its service in Las Vegas is limited to just a handful of pickup and dropoff locations, Zoox said its vehicles will offer more dynamic, “point-to-point” travel within its designated service area in San Francisco.
The experience sounds like it will be similar to Waymo: customers are able to hail a ride anywhere within Zoox’s service area, which includes most of the SoMa, Mission, and Design District neighborhoods. As a point-to-point service, riders can select their own destination, enter a street address, drop a pin, or select from a list of suggested points of interest. Walking directions to their final destination will be provided if needed.
Zoox has a fleet of “about 50 robotaxis” across both San Francisco and Las Vegas, said spokesperson Marisa Wiggam, who also declined to disclose the number of people on its waitlist. Interested customers can join the waitlist through the company’s app.
The rides will be free, as Zoox is only allowed to operate its vehicles for demonstration purposes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Since the vehicles don’t comply with federal safety requirements around traditional controls, Zoox had to obtain an exemption from the government for these demonstration rides. It’s unclear when the company will be allowed to to start charging riders for trips.
Original Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/822096/zoox-robotaxi-sf-waitlist-rides
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