Waymo’s self-driving cars are currently transporting passengers in six cities. Unfortunately, this future without self-driving cars comes with its own set of problems. These vehicles can become inoperable if a passenger accidentally leaves the door open.
According to a post on Reddit, one DoorDash driver discovered the issue when a strange request appeared in his queue. In exchange for making the delivery, the driver was offered $6.25 to drive less than a mile to the Waymo car and close the door. You will receive an additional $5 after it is “confirmed as complete.”
One commenter pointed out, “You actually broke down the ‘door.'”
It seems too ironic to be real. Waymo vehicles represent a technological advancement that once seemed unfathomable. The Alphabet-owned company just raised $16 billion to expand its self-driving cars internationally.
However, Waymo and DoorDash confirmed to TechCrunch that the Reddit post is legitimate. In fact, this is a real problem.
“Waymo is currently running a pilot program in Atlanta to improve the efficiency of its AV vehicles. In the unlikely event that a vehicle’s door is left ajar, preventing the vehicle from starting, a nearby Dashler will be notified and Waymo can quickly get the vehicle back on the road,” Waymo and DoorDash said in a joint response. (The door-closing partnership that began earlier this year is just one aspect of the broader relationship between Waymo and DoorDash. In October, the companies will launch an autonomous delivery service in Phoenix, with Waymo vehicles delivering food and groceries to DoorDash customers.)
If Waymo’s door is left open, it’s worth it for the company to pay someone to close it for them. If your car is left stationary, you will not be able to take any more rides. Not to mention, immobile cars can impede traffic flow.
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This isn’t the first time Waymo has asked for help with door problems. In Los Angeles, Waymo is working with Honk, an Uber-like app for towing services. Honk users in Los Angeles are reportedly being offered up to $24 to close their Waymo doors, more than double what DoorDash drivers in Atlanta receive.
The company noted that Waymo’s future vehicles will be equipped with automatic door closing. But for now, Waymo’s best option is gig workers.
