Picture: Waymo
Waymo has announced the industry’s first-ever paid trip to and from an airport at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Phoenix has been at the heart of Waymo’s development. Over two years ago, the company launched its first autonomous ride-hail service. The city is the fifth largest in the U.S and is one of the fastest growing cities in the country.
Starting on Monday, Testers are able to hail a ride 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in Waymo’s fully electric Jaguar I-PACE equipped with the first generation Waymo driver, between Downtown Phoenix and Phoenix Sky Harbor.
The company is partnering with Phoenix Sky Harbor to offer pick up and drop offs from 44th Street Sky Train station. They will start to offer trips with an autonomous specialist in the driver’s seat and will remove the specialist over time.
The new service of airport pick ups offer opportunities for technical advancements including; unique opportunities to train perception capabilities, serve pedestrians carrying different types of luggage and learning different types of drivinf behaviours to other users that are unique to the airport.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has said: “Phoenix leads the nation in demonstrating autonomous vehicle technology, science, and safety. The future of travel is here, and Waymo One service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport marks our city’s commitment to innovation and technological advancements that will impact the world.”
