Robotaxis as public transit? Waymo thinks so

"Chandler Flex operates using technology developed by Via, which sells software and operational services to cities, transit agencies, schools, and other institution that want to combine on-demand ridesharing with public transit. Via's software enables transit officials to create "flexible routes" based on passenger demand, while also complying with federal and accessibility reporting requirements, the company says. If everything goes well, Waymo and Via plan on pitching a similar model to other cities for their microtransit needs."

"The partnership has the potential open up more passengers to Waymo's driverless technology. Phoenix residents have been able to hail a Waymo via the Waymo or Uber apps for years now, with rides priced comparably to human-driven rideshare trips. But autonomous rides along a planned route for a low-cost, flat fare is sure to open up the technology to a new segment of the population."

Waymo and Via are partnering to add Waymo’s fully autonomous vehicles to Chandler Flex microtransit in Chandler, Arizona. Riders will book trips on the Chandler Flex app and may be matched with Waymo robotaxis for shared, often transit-connecting trips. Service will operate Monday through Friday, 6AM–9PM, with low flat fares for regular riders, reduced fares for seniors and wheelchair users, and free rides for middle and high school students. Via provides the routing and operational software to create demand-based flexible routes while meeting federal and accessibility reporting requirements. The model could be offered to other cities.

Read at The Verge