I travelled alone in a driverless taxi – it's a game changer for single women like me
A SLEEK white car approached me, gliding towards the pavement as a flashing green beacon like an old fashion police light revealed the letters 'CF'.
That was the signifier that this way my driverless taxi.
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To unlock the car, I had to go back onto the app and confirm - none of the usual issue of someone battling you for the Uber you thought was yours.
I was in San Francisco hailing a Waymo taxi, which was introduced to the public in the city back in 2024.
The cars are littered all over the city and look like car-versions of Big Hero 6's Baymax.
Once inside, the energy felt very much the same.
Unlike an Uber - where I avoid the front seat at all costs - I made a beeline for it.
This was the best place to be - like the front of the rollercoaster, where you can see all the action.
Though in this case, it was the roads ahead, a wheel rotating on its own accord and a tablet screen showing all of the things within feet of the car.
In fact, the cars sensors and cameras even stretched to the bins and people on the pavement... on the other side of the road.
Without doubt, I was impressed.
The apprehension I had prior to getting in the car had immediately subsided.
Incredible moment Britain's first ever air taxi takes to UK skies with speeds of 150mph and room for four passengers
It didn't feel like an erratic or janky journey, instead very smooth, taking each turn and speedbump with a planned approach.
The reason why San Francisco is home to these vehicles - and other brands' driverless vehicles too - is mostly due to the city's proximity to Silicon Valley, it being a challenging city with lots of hills and also, it having a welcoming attitude towards new technologies.
Whilst the cars cannot go on the highway, they can zip around the city with ease.
Admittedly, to a lot of people they seem like a novelty.
But in reality, the cars really do feel safe and like the future of taxis.
In recent years, there have been a flurry of taxi driver scandals, with young women airing their grievances over creepy drivers.
And in 2022, Uber was sued in the US over allegations of assault by drivers including allegations women passengers were kidnapped.
I have had Uber drivers ask about my age, question my career as a journalist, ask if I am single, been on any dates recently, 'behave' appropriately on nights out - the list goes on.
When I first moved to London, these kinds of incidents meant I didn't know which firm to trust - if it could happen with Ubersdrivers, it could happen with any driver from any taxi app or firm.
I remember having a female driver in Texas, who drove so erratically I thought she was drunk.
And a male driver in London, at 10am in the morning, interrogating me if I had been drinking - all because I had a can of Sprite in my hand.
After a night out, I was stranded on two percent with no Uber accepting my trip.
Whilst the app told me there were no nearby drivers, I was in central London, with many cars with Uber stickers whizzing by me.
More than likely, I was being rejected by drivers because my trip was short and only would cost £5.
Another night, whilst with friends, we had an Uber abandon us on the side of the road and zoom off with no reason explained.
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I have had Uber drivers ask about my age, question my career as a journalist, ask if I am single, been on any dates recently, 'behave' appropriately on nights out - the list goes on.
Undoubtedly, I have had amazing drivers too - chatty or not, friendly and respectful, and ones who have offered me water or a charger.
And whilst I make effort to give five stars and a tip for these drivers, I shouldn't feel the need to award someone for not being creepy.
With Waymo, there is none of this anxiety.
You unlock the car from your phone, get in and a safety demo is explained to you, the screen constantly shows what is around the car, the doors are locked for the duration of the journey, you can contact customer service by simply asking.
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All of these safety measures are then enhanced by measures that make your ride enjoyable - a fun, upbeat voice, music options and even the joke that "you can sing as loud as you like because no one will hear you".
Essentially, my experience was a safe, comforting private karaoke room on wheels.
No complaints - even despite the slightly-higher-than-Uber price - just one satisfied customer.
Driverless taxis don't just offer a tourist experience, they offer a haven away from questionable drivers and forced conversations.
Uber self-driving robotaxis are due to come to UK roads NEXT YEAR.
Last year, a British driverless car firm also raised $1bn from investors in Europe's biggest AI deal to date.
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