Doctor M. PopularAug 8, 2023

Have you ever noticed that most self-driving cars don't have any passengers?

"Deadheading" is an industry term for keeping driverless cars in constant motion, even when they have neither a passenger nor a destination. Waymo & Cruise rely on deadheading to avoid paying for parking.

Why pay the city for public parking when you can store your car on the road for free (as long as it's moving)?

Since I've started keeping track, I've noticed that over 90% of the self-driving cars I see are empty...

Show threadZakyfarmsAug 8, 2023
@docpop I thought they were still awaiting approval to take passengers on the fully driverless cars en masse? Aren’t these still participating in the trial program?
Show threadAndy Reitz
@zakyfarms @docpop this is my understanding as well.
Aug 8, 2023 at 3:23amWeb
Show threadgene xAug 8, 2023
@areitz @zakyfarms @docpop I know for cruise it’s like after 9pm or so when they can take passengers
Show threadDoctor M. PopularAug 8, 2023
@genex @areitz @zakyfarms if anyone has definitive info, I’d love to hear it or better yet see it documented somewhere. It’s very likely I just waisted an hour counting cars for no reason, but I’d want to see more details before I delete that post.
Also, hi Gene! I love your photo projects.
Show threaddavewongilliesAug 8, 2023
@docpop @genex @areitz @zakyfarms https://getcruise.com/support/how-to-ride/
How to Ride Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to commonly asked questions and learn how to take a ride in a Cruise self-driving car

Show threaddavewongilliesAug 8, 2023
@docpop @genex @areitz @zakyfarms Although right now when I open the app
Show threadgene xAug 8, 2023
@docpop @areitz @zakyfarms thanks so much!!! I feel like we should’ve met by now (we’re both friends w/Eddie at Secret Alley). But here’s what Cruise says for SF:
Show threadS Vermin RoseAug 9, 2023
@docpop I don't grasp the economics of keeping cars in motion to avoid parking fees. My picture of things is that operating a vehicle costs at least $.50/mile just in capital costs. Averaging 10mph, that's $5/hour. So I suspect that something else is in play, such as data-gathering.