Impact of Waymo self-driving taxis in Santa Monica

SOURCE www.thetimes.com
Residents of Santa Monica are driven mad by the incessant beeping of self-driving Waymo taxis in their neighborhood, leading to a guerrilla war and complaints about noise pollution and lack of warning from the company.

Key Points

  • Residents in Santa Monica are frustrated by the constant beeping of Waymo self-driving taxis in their neighborhood
  • Vigilante 'Stacker One' leads a guerrilla war against the noise, slowing down the cars and placing traffic cones to contain them
  • Residents complain about sleep deprivation and disturbance caused by the noise, with some resorting to extreme measures

Pros

  • Added security and lights in the area
  • Waymo seeking to address complaints by buying quieter vacuum cleaners and planting bamboo

Cons

  • Constant beeping noise disrupting residents' daily lives
  • Lack of warning to residents before the charging stations were set up
  • Residents feeling affected and disturbed by the noise pollution