Lyft Is Bringing Fully-Driverless Taxi Rides To Los Angeles Residents
If you’re residing in sunny Los Angeles, here’s a heads-up. Lyft will soon be launching a fully driverless ride-hailing service in the city, which will use Motional’s all-electric IONIQ 5-based robotaxis for autonomous trips.
The City of Angels is the second location in Lyft and Motional’s multi-city partnership, just after Las Vegas, which has already seen public driverless rides become part of its transportation network.
If you’re still not too sure about getting into an autonomous vehicle, fret not. The companies revealed its vehicles have been tested over millions of miles in diverse environments, with zero at-fault incidents.
In fact, these cars have been developed to identify and react safely to vulnerable people on the road, so that the experience is as safe as possible.
With traffic-related deaths increasing by 21% and pedestrian injuries going up by 35% in 2021, the firms feel autonomous technology could be the answer to the city’s need for safer transportation.
“Los Angeles is the second most populated city in the US and represents a huge market opportunity for AV adoption. This service will build on the five years of commercial experience we already have with Lyft, and give Los Angeles riders a driverless experience that prioritizes safety, is affordable, and supports the city’s commitment to improved mobility,” says Karl Iagnemma, Motional’s President.
