This summer, my family and I travelled to San Francisco—a city of steep hills, cable cars, and bustling streets. Yet it was something far more futuristic than the city’s famous landmarks that left the biggest impression: our first ride in a driverless taxi.
On our way to the hotel, we spotted a Waymo Jaguar I-PACE pulling over with no driver inside. Intrigued, we booked a short two-mile trip. The car arrived on its own, my name appearing on the display screen as we unlocked the doors with the app. Inside, a calm voice greeted us, gentle music played, and the car set off smoothly.
The experience was remarkable. A large screen showed the vehicle’s sensors mapping everything in real time—with people walking, riding bikes, driving cars, even parked vehicles ahead. When it encountered a blockage, the Waymo simply manoeuvred around it.
The steep hills of San Francisco can be daunting even for human drivers, but the vehicle never faltered. It read the traffic lights, recognised cars ahead, and anticipated pedestrian crossings long before we could.
What made the ride truly unique was the coexistence of the new and the old: an autonomous Jaguar sharing roads with the city’s iconic cable cars. The contrast was striking, yet seamless.
When the ride ended, the car pulled safely to the kerb and came to a gentle stop. It had been quiet, smooth, and—most importantly—safe.
For us, this wasn’t just a taxi journey. It was a glimpse of transport’s future: comfortable, reassuring, and unforgettable.
Written by Jamie Hassall, Executive Director of PACTS
