I can ride in a Waymo!
Yay! I’ve finally been added to Waymo’s South Bay customer list!
I’ve been waiting for months for this. Every time I’ve opened the app since they expanded service to Silicon Valley back in March or so, it has told me that they’re gradually adding customers and they’ll notify me when I’m added.
But I guessed that they might not notify me (because that sort of system often fails), so I’ve kept on occasionally checking the app.
And I’m glad I did, because I still haven’t received a notification but I now have access!
I haven’t yet had my first Waymo ride, and today’s a little busy so I probably won’t try it until at least tomorrow. But I’m excited.
…One thing that I wasn’t expecting, and that reduces my excitement: it’s significantly more expensive than I was assuming it would be.
For example: A Waymo ride from my place to the grocery store that I usually shop at (about 3 miles) will cost about $15-$19 each way (apparently varying by day and time of travel). Using Lyft, that would be $10-$15 each way (plus tip). Based on Lyft rides I’ve taken elsewhere in the country, I was guessing that Lyft to that store would be more like $5 (plus tip) each way, and I was assuming that Waymo prices would be similar.
When I drive myself to that store, the cost in electricity and wear-and-tear on my car is (I’m guessing) probably about 50 cents each way. (Plus some cost in my time and attention because I can’t do other things while driving, plus some cost in danger to myself and others.)
I had vaguely thought that I might switch entirely to using Waymo for local errands like groceries that I drive my own car for; but at these prices, that won’t be happening.
But the pricing may depend a lot on various factors. If I were going to the San José airport (SJC) right now, I could get a Waymo ride (one-way) for $25; Lyft would be $35 (plus tip). (And if I drove there myself, paid parking would be $12/day in the longterm parking lot, if booked in advance.) So it looks like Waymo is a great deal for me for getting to SJC.
Anyway, we’ll see how things go, but despite the prices, I’m glad to have this as an option.