Waymo pausing some robotaxi service after safety drivers raise coronavirus concerns

Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

Waymo is temporarily shutting down some of its robotaxi services in Arizona, just days after The Verge reported that its contracted safety drivers were becoming increasingly nervous about picking up passengers amid the growing coronavirus pandemic. Vehicles with safety drivers will no longer be on the roads in greater Phoenix, Arizona, while completely driverless versions will continue to shuttle passengers around in more limited numbers.
Waymo says it has stopped running its prototype autonomous vehicles in California, but will keep testing driverless trucks and operating its limited delivery service pilot program.
“In the interest of the health and safety of our riders and the entire Waymo community, we’re pausing our Waymo One…

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