I love the word "robotourism" - nails it.
Most of the trips are in San Francisco, where it's a mix of robotourism and UberLyft replacement. UberLyft do 20-50X as many SF trips. Per Waymo's CPUC reports, ~ave time while in service:
50% parked
25% deadhead/empty VMT
25% passenger VMT
0.3 ave occupancy
80% of trips have only one passenger
50% parked
25% deadhead/empty VMT
25% passenger VMT
0.3 ave occupancy
80% of trips have only one passenger
October 15, 2024 at 6:32 AM
I love the word "robotourism" - nails it.
Most of the trips are in San Francisco, where it's a mix of robotourism and UberLyft replacement. UberLyft do 20-50X as many SF trips. Per Waymo's CPUC reports, ~ave time while in service:
50% parked
25% deadhead/empty VMT
25% passenger VMT
0.3 ave occupancy
80% of trips have only one passenger
50% parked
25% deadhead/empty VMT
25% passenger VMT
0.3 ave occupancy
80% of trips have only one passenger
October 14, 2024 at 8:13 PM
Most of the trips are in San Francisco, where it's a mix of robotourism and UberLyft replacement. UberLyft do 20-50X as many SF trips. Per Waymo's CPUC reports, ~ave time while in service:
50% parked
25% deadhead/empty VMT
25% passenger VMT
0.3 ave occupancy
80% of trips have only one passenger
50% parked
25% deadhead/empty VMT
25% passenger VMT
0.3 ave occupancy
80% of trips have only one passenger
But you have to say “robotourism” the way Elon Musk says “Robovan.”
October 15, 2024 at 7:43 AM
But you have to say “robotourism” the way Elon Musk says “Robovan.”
Nope, that's about where the densest populations overlap with the worst parking.
Here's a heatmap from the SFMTA's detailed study of Uber & Lyft.
Robotourism weights Waymo a bit more towards the waterfront from Golden Gate to Chase Center. AI/tech bros weight Waymo towards Mission & Hayes Valley.
Here's a heatmap from the SFMTA's detailed study of Uber & Lyft.
Robotourism weights Waymo a bit more towards the waterfront from Golden Gate to Chase Center. AI/tech bros weight Waymo towards Mission & Hayes Valley.
February 24, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Nope, that's about where the densest populations overlap with the worst parking.
Here's a heatmap from the SFMTA's detailed study of Uber & Lyft.
Robotourism weights Waymo a bit more towards the waterfront from Golden Gate to Chase Center. AI/tech bros weight Waymo towards Mission & Hayes Valley.
Here's a heatmap from the SFMTA's detailed study of Uber & Lyft.
Robotourism weights Waymo a bit more towards the waterfront from Golden Gate to Chase Center. AI/tech bros weight Waymo towards Mission & Hayes Valley.
Uber and Lyft execs claim Waymo's ridehail has grown the market in the few places they operate, but they are also Waymo biz partners w an interest in 'robots increase demand' stories.
Robotourism is definitely a thing, but I've never seen a breakout of their ridership to calibrate it or other uses.
Robotourism is definitely a thing, but I've never seen a breakout of their ridership to calibrate it or other uses.
November 21, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Uber and Lyft execs claim Waymo's ridehail has grown the market in the few places they operate, but they are also Waymo biz partners w an interest in 'robots increase demand' stories.
Robotourism is definitely a thing, but I've never seen a breakout of their ridership to calibrate it or other uses.
Robotourism is definitely a thing, but I've never seen a breakout of their ridership to calibrate it or other uses.
Waymo objected to a San Francisco tour guide's robotourism promo.
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/w...
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/w...
September 15, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Waymo objected to a San Francisco tour guide's robotourism promo.
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/w...
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/w...
that thing, when it's 2030+, and you're retired, too busy, or otherwise unable to vacation, but your bucket list still has some hidden peaks?!? #robotourism #robotics #travel #joverc
March 29, 2025 at 9:26 PM
that thing, when it's 2030+, and you're retired, too busy, or otherwise unable to vacation, but your bucket list still has some hidden peaks?!? #robotourism #robotics #travel #joverc