https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/travel/self-driving-cars-san-francisco.html

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Travel|San Francisco's Hot Tourist Attraction: Driverless Cars
  
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/travel/
self-driving-cars-san-francisco.html

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San Francisco's Hot Tourist Attraction: Driverless Cars

Cable cars are still trundling up the city's hills, but robotaxis
from Waymo are shaping up as the city's latest must-do for visitors.

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A white car, with sensors on its roof and hood, is parked in front of
a Hard Rock Cafe. A man on the driver-side door is taking a photo
into the car's interior.
Self-driving cars from Waymo have been operating commercially in San
Francisco since last August. Credit...Jim Wilson/The New York Times

By Lauren Sloss

May 22, 2024

When David De Clercq traveled to San Francisco last year, he had a
few musts on his itinerary: Go to Alcatraz. Try new restaurants. And
ride in a self-driving car.

Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles or,
colloquially, robotaxis, have been driving the streets of San
Francisco in some form since 2009 and have been operating
commercially since last August. The cars are also shaping up as the
city's latest tourist attraction.

Mr. De Clercq, 42, who splits his time between New Jersey and
Sardinia, where he owns restaurants and bars and rents villas, is an
avid traveler.

"I love exploring and doing new things," he said. "I knew that I
definitely wanted to get a ride while I was in town."

Image
In a city full of scenic sights, riding in a Waymo can turn you into
the main attraction. Credit...Jim Wilson/The New York Times

What, where and how to ride

Conversations abound on Reddit and X, with visitors seeking advice on
how to secure a ride while in San Francisco, or be well positioned to
spot a driverless car on the go.

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