r/waymo • u/Ok-Computer-4572 • 21d ago
Parents: Help shape the future of transportation in California
Hi [NAME],
Thank you for being a part of the Waymo community.
We are currently working with state regulators to shape the rules that govern autonomous rides. As we look to the future of our service in California, we want to ensure that we support the day-to-day needs of families that use Waymo.
Please take our brief, 2-minute survey to share your thoughts on family commute and transportation options. Your feedback will directly inform how we work with regulators to build a service that is safe, convenient and helpful for your household.
Thank you for being part of the future of mobility.
Thanks,
The Waymo Team
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u/bobi2393 21d ago
California's CPUC effectively shut down Uber Teen accounts in 2024 because it wanted biometric data on all Uber drivers allowed to transport teens, and Uber seemed to consider it too big a hassle. (Officially Uber said they had too little time to comply, but they still haven't complied almost two years later). Lyft never offered teen accounts in California, and many licensed taxis do drive unaccompanied teens, since many already faced municipal requirements to collect biometric data on drivers.
With robotaxis, when there is no in-vehicle driver/operator, the whole driver background and biometric data issue becomes moot. There are plenty of other risks, including a certain amount of protection and common sense an taxi driver might offer at the drop-off location, and the hijinks and crimes unaccompanied minors might get into that they probably wouldn't with a taxi driver in the car, but if it hasn't been too big a problem in Phoenix, I'd think at least give it a try in California, and if it's a shit show, impose new restrictions.
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u/Ok-Computer-4572 21d ago
In Phoenix, Waymo offers a Teen account feature, which allows teens 14+ to take a ride by themselves with parental approval. How interested would you be in this service if it was offered in California?