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Waymo in Portland

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Re: Waymo in Portland

#11
post #4

I've determined that my ultimate dream car would be something like a Rivian but with Waymo tech, so I can drive it manually when I want/need (snowstorms, off-road), but I can also let it drive me across the country at night while I camp in the back. Would absolutely change the way we move across the US, especially if you have hobbies that involve a lot of gear and equipment.

That would be something being asleep and waking up to a car crash

Re: Waymo in Portland

#13
post #11
post #4

I've determined that my ultimate dream car would be something like a Rivian but with Waymo tech, so I can drive it manually when I want/need (snowstorms, off-road), but I can also let it drive me across the country at night while I camp in the back. Would absolutely change the way we move across the US, especially if you have hobbies that involve a lot of gear and equipment.

That would be something being asleep and waking up to a car crash

reminds me of an old joke:

"When I go I want to die in my sleep like my grandfather. Not screaming and afraid like the passengers in his car"

Re: Waymo in Portland

#14
post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think Baltimore soon. Seen them testing around the city.

Wouldn't Baltimore be the first Waymo market that actually gets snow? I don't think they've cracked driving in a real Midwest/northeast winter.

They're currently testing in Minneapolis and plan to launch in the next year to the public, so they seem to think they can crack tough winters

Re: Waymo in Portland

#15
post #4

I've determined that my ultimate dream car would be something like a Rivian but with Waymo tech, so I can drive it manually when I want/need (snowstorms, off-road), but I can also let it drive me across the country at night while I camp in the back. Would absolutely change the way we move across the US, especially if you have hobbies that involve a lot of gear and equipment.

Snowstorms are probably when I’d most want self driving. Back in February driving from Tahoe to SF, they closed the road, not because of conditions, but because too many impatient drivers spun out. I trust Waymo to go the recommended speed and not get impatient.

Re: Waymo in Portland

#16
post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think Baltimore soon. Seen them testing around the city.

Wouldn't Baltimore be the first Waymo market that actually gets snow? I don't think they've cracked driving in a real Midwest/northeast winter.

They’ve been testing in Truckee, CA for years

Re: Waymo in Portland

#17
post #7

Stiff competition for humans, especially drivers outside the top quartile or so. Waymo appears to its passengers to drive much more competently than certainly any sub-average rideshare driver. Although I like jobs for humans, I hope these aren’t all just set on fire because there is promise in reducing fatalities. Want to find a way for offline vehicles that can go 65MPH to remain legal though. Without Flock every bl…

Rideshare drivers can speed

Re: Waymo in Portland

#18
A Waymo was recently stuck on some light rail tracks in Phoenix this year [1]. Portland has a rather diverse bunch of streetcars and trams concentrated in its downtown core. Hopefully they don't get stuck on the tracks or block the trams.

[1] https://www.azfamily.com/2026/01/08/waymo-passenger-flees-af...

Re: Waymo in Portland

#19

I feel like this post and most (if not all these comments) are an ad.

Self driving cars are such a huge quality of life improvement that people would advertise it for free.

I would rank it up there with mobile broadband and smartphones in terms of influence.

Re: Waymo in Portland

#20
post #4

I've determined that my ultimate dream car would be something like a Rivian but with Waymo tech, so I can drive it manually when I want/need (snowstorms, off-road), but I can also let it drive me across the country at night while I camp in the back. Would absolutely change the way we move across the US, especially if you have hobbies that involve a lot of gear and equipment.

Yes. The longer-term possible second-order effects are going to be wild. Easier t o get to wilderness? Awesome!, but also crowding like you've never seen (but maybe also more small parks because there will be a glut of unused parking).
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