I autonomous taxis (or, if you prefer, robotic axis) are becoming a reality. Uber and Lyft have stopped developing autonomous driving on their own and have started to make deals with specialized companies. In cities like San Francisco and Austin, the first passengers are already experimenting with the service.
But how ready is the world to get on board a driverless car? The transition will be gradual, but the change seems inevitable.
The era of autonomous taxis has begun
A race without a driver. This is how the new panorama of urban mobility could be defined. After having invested billions in the development of autonomous driving, Uber e Lyft They've changed their strategy: instead of building their fleet of autonomous taxis from scratch, they're partnering with those who already have the technology ready. Waymo, owned by Google, is one of the protagonists of this revolution, with fleets already operational in several American cities.
Of course, the road is far from smooth. While on the one hand the tests are starting to give serious results and are convincing users, on the other hand the technical and logistical challenges are enormous: dedicated infrastructures, advanced maintenance, new safety rules. Not to mention the resistance of human drivers, who see in this evolution (and rightly so) a direct threat to their work.
Uber and Lyft: From Competitors to Platforms for the Future
Uber and Lyft’s shift marks a turning point in the industry. Previously, the goal was to eliminate drivers to maximize profits, but now the goal is to become a mobility hub. Self-driving taxis won’t completely replace human-driven cars, at least not anytime soon, but they will become an increasingly popular option in big cities.
To make the service more seamless, Uber and Lyft are developing new features in their apps: remote trunk release, driverless ride start, and even a smartphone-activated horn to locate the vehicle. Add to that an infrastructure designed to accommodate autonomous fleets, with dedicated charging stations and advanced technological maintenance.
The impact on work and society
If self-driving taxis become widespread as expected, the transportation industry will undergo a radical change. The implications are multiple: fewer jobs for drivers, new opportunities for fleet maintenance technicians, more accessibility for people with mobility difficulties.
But the transition will not be without obstacles. Extreme weather conditions, congested roads and the unpredictability of urban traffic remain open challenges. Furthermore, it remains to be seen whether users they will be ready to trust completely of a driverless vehicle.
Self-driving taxis: how far away are we really?
While the idea of riding in a self-driving car may seem futuristic, the process is already underway. Waymo has seen an exponential increase in trips taken, a sign that public trust is growing. The future of self-driving taxis is no longer just a promise, but a reality in the making.
Will they really be the standard of private transportation or just a niche option? I say the former: it's just a matter of time. And you?
