Waymo to offer kid-friendly rides

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet, is considering a new subscription service aimed at providing transportation for teenagers. According to a report from the San Francisco Standard, the proposed program, tentatively named “Waymo Teen,” would allow teens to independently hail robotaxis for after-school activities and other outings, alleviating parental concerns about transportation. The subscription model is expected to offer parents peace of mind by sending alerts for pickups and drop-offs, ensuring they remain informed about their children's whereabouts. Pricing for the service is projected to range between $150 and $250 per month, which would cover up to 16 rides. This initiative reflects Waymo's ongoing efforts to expand its services and cater to a younger demographic. A Waymo spokesperson confirmed that the company has been exploring the feasibility of allowing authorized teenagers to use its services under parental supervision. The feedback from initial research has been encouraging, indicating a potential market for such a service. As Waymo continues to innovate in the realm of autonomous transportation, the introduction of “Waymo Teen” could represent a significant step in making robotaxis a viable option for families, particularly in urban areas where traditional transportation can be challenging. The program's development will be closely watched as it could reshape how families approach after-school logistics.