it started with: A pilot program. A 2017 Waymo Phoenix-based pilot program that still had “operators” ready to take vehicle control in an emergency. Pilot program volunteers received free service.
the successful pilot led to: approval of a permit of the self-driving transportation network service
the touted benefits: Self driving taxis will cut per mile costs for consumers and for programs that rely on rideshare for rides for seniors or medical trasnportation
Business Insider | Waymo gets the go ahead for autonomous ride-hailing in Arizona
NBC News | Driverless taxi rides are headed your way this year