A Los Angeles tech entrepreneur recently found himself trapped in a Waymo driverless taxi that repeatedly drove in circles, nearly causing him to miss his flight. The incident, which occurred last month near an Arizona airport, raises questions about the reliability and customer service of autonomous vehicle technology.
Mike Johns documented his frustrating experience on LinkedIn, sharing a video of the Waymo vehicle completing eight loops. He described the feeling of being in a “sci-fi thriller,” unsure if the car was malfunctioning, hacked, or simply ignoring GPS directions. The incident left him questioning the readiness of autonomous vehicles for widespread public use.
Johns expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of empathy and human connection during the ordeal. He criticized the support he received, unsure if he was interacting with a human or an AI, and described Waymo’s service as a “half-baked product.” Waymo has since confirmed that Johns was not charged for the trip and has attempted to contact him, stating the circling lasted only about five minutes.
This incident isn’t the first time Waymo vehicles have exhibited erratic behavior. In December 2024, a Waymo car was reported circling a roundabout in Arizona at least 37 times without a passenger. More concerning incidents include a Waymo hitting a cyclist in San Francisco in February 2024 and another colliding with a telephone pole in May 2024, leading to a recall of the company’s mapping technology.
Other unexpected behaviors have been reported. One passenger recounted an instance where the Waymo vehicle unexpectedly darted off just as they were about to enter, opting for a pickup in a turn lane – a potentially dangerous maneuver a human driver would likely avoid.
While the promise of lower fares due to the elimination of human drivers is a driving force behind autonomous vehicle development, incidents like these highlight the ongoing challenges and potential risks associated with the technology. The potential for companies to raise prices once human drivers are eliminated, mirroring the trajectory of ride-sharing services after disrupting the taxi industry, is also a concern.
The experience, which Johns likened to a scene from a science fiction movie, underscores the need for continued development and refinement of autonomous vehicle technology and improved customer service protocols. It also raises questions about the balance between technological advancement and the human element in providing safe and reliable transportation.
