More expensive, later, still in demand: Why passengers still rely on Waymo's robotaxis

In Los Angeles, for example, the average price per kilometer with Waymo is 11.22 US dollars. This makes the ride about 41 percent more expensive than with Lyft (7.99 dollars) and approximately 34 percent above the average with Uber (8.36 dollars). The price difference widens particularly in the evening hours. During rush hour, Waymo rides can be on average up to 11 dollars more expensive – with simultaneously longer waiting times. This shows that even when the algorithm is in control, the rules of supply and demand still apply. The fleet of robotaxis is limited, and prices rise accordingly, especially during peak times.

Technology Beats Price

The study is based on 90,000 recorded ride offers from San Francisco and Los Angeles during the period from March to April 2025. Additionally, Obi surveyed users in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Francisco about their experiences and expectations. A surprising result: 80 percent of respondents cite "joy of new technology" as the main reason for using it. This suggests that fascination outweighs practical considerations like cost or speed.

The study also provides insightful figures on the topic of trust. Almost half of the men surveyed would even entrust their children to a Waymo taxi—while the proportion among women was somewhat lower. Nevertheless, more than 70 percent of respondents overall expressed a preference for Waymo over traditional ride services. Concerns remain, especially regarding safety: 74 percent of participants cited this as their greatest worry.