In West Los Angeles, a family has observed a recurring pattern with Waymo’s driverless vehicles frequently parking in front of their home. Ten-year-old Morgan Delgin expresses excitement when she sees the robotaxi, referring to it as “home.” This behavior has been noted since last year, when a Waymo dropped off her parents, and has continued with varying durations of parking.
Residents in surrounding areas have also reported similar instances, raising questions about why certain locations attract frequent Waymo parking. Concerns have emerged regarding the impact of these vehicles, particularly regarding their seemingly random stops and their effect on neighborhood dynamics, with some residents expressing discomfort related to the vehicles’ surveillance capabilities.
Waymo has been operational in Los Angeles since late 2024, with AI technology determining parking spots based on various criteria, such as local regulations and demand for rides. Although the company states that its vehicles are supposed to choose appropriate parking spots, the specific repetitions in their selections have puzzled both residents and experts. There is a general understanding that Waymo vehicles may idle at strategic locations, yet precise reasoning for their preferences remains unclear.
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation asserts that as long as Waymo vehicles abide by parking regulations, they are not in violation. However, the frequency and specific locations of parking choices continue to spark curiosity and discomfort among residents. Waymo’s director of product management indicated that they are committed to addressing neighbor feedback and are participating in studies to analyze curb behavior and its effects on traffic congestion.
As Waymo’s presence grows in urban environments, the interaction between autonomous vehicles and residential areas remains an evolving topic of discussion among stakeholders.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/google-waymo/766002/waymo-la-loiter-parking-robotaxi-ai-public-space