Waymo, the self-driving car company owned by Alphabet, has suspended its robotaxi service in Los Angeles following reports of multiple vehicles being set on fire during protests over federal immigration raids. The decision to halt services in the affected area was made in coordination with the Los Angeles Police Department, according to a statement from a Waymo spokesperson.
The violent protests, sparked by recent immigration raids in the city, have caused chaos and destruction throughout downtown Los Angeles. While the majority of the damage has been to businesses and properties, it was reported that several Waymo self-driving cars were also targeted and set ablaze.
The safety of the public and our vehicles is our top priority and as a precautionary measure, we have temporarily halted our services in the affected area. We are working closely with local authorities to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of our vehicles and the community. At this time, we are not aware of any injuries related to the incidents involving our self-driving cars.
This is the first time that Waymo’s self-driving technology has been impacted by civil unrest. While we are deeply disappointed by these senseless acts of vandalism, we understand and respect the right to peacefully protest. However, we strongly condemn any violence and destruction that puts innocent lives and property at risk.
Waymo has been operating its self-driving car service, known as Waymo One, in the Los Angeles area since May 2019. We have received positive feedback from our riders and have been committed to providing a safe and reliable transportation option to the community.
Our self-driving cars are equipped with advanced technology that allows them to navigate complex urban environments and avoid potential hazards. We have rigorous safety protocols in place and our vehicles are constantly monitored by trained operators who can take control in case of any emergency.
The decision to halt services in Los Angeles was not an easy one, but it was necessary to ensure the safety of our riders, our vehicles, and the community. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will resume services as soon as it is safe to do so.
The recent incidents in Los Angeles highlight the need for a peaceful and constructive dialogue to address the important issues facing our communities. As a technology company, we believe in the power of innovation to create a better future, but we also recognize the importance of coming together to find solutions to complex problems.
In the meantime, we remain committed to our mission of creating a safer and more efficient transportation system. Our self-driving cars will continue to operate in other areas of Los Angeles, as well as in select cities in Arizona and Texas.
We are grateful for the support and understanding of our riders and the community during this challenging time. We believe that together, we can work towards a better and brighter future where everyone can live and thrive in peace and harmony.
