Tourists in San Francisco are spending hundreds of dollars to experience rides in Waymo’s autonomous vehicles. Dara Mihaly, a veteran tour guide, integrated Waymo’s driverless robotaxis into her tours, offering clients a unique way to visit landmarks like Alamo Square, Twin Peaks, and the Golden Gate Bridge. From February to August, Mihaly conducted ten tours using Waymo vehicles, charging $149 for a three-hour, three-ride experience.
Waymo’s robotaxis have become a popular attraction, with tourists eager to incorporate this new mode of transportation into their itineraries. According to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, the company has noted a significant increase in rides booked by visitors, contributing $247,000 in sales tax revenue annually.
Despite the popularity, Mihaly had to remove the self-driving car option from her tour offerings after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from Waymo for violating brand display terms. However, she remains hopeful for future collaboration with the company.
Waymo’s vehicles have become a symbol of San Francisco’s tech scene, drawing tourists who are willing to pay for the novelty of an autonomous ride. Some experts suggest that Waymo should focus more on tourists, who might pay a premium for the experience. As the city recovers from the pandemic, the integration of autonomous vehicles into the tourism industry could help boost San Francisco’s economy.
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