Waymo is asking DoorDash drivers to close the doorways of its self-driving vehicles

It nonetheless appears like a technological marvel: Waymo’s autonomous vehicles at the moment are transporting passengers throughout six cities. Alas, this driverless future comes with its personal set of issues. These autos might be rendered inert if a passenger unintentionally leaves the door open.

In line with a Reddit post, one DoorDash driver found this situation when an odd request appeared of their queue. As an alternative of constructing a supply, the driving force was supplied $6.25 to drive lower than one mile to a Waymo automobile and shut its door. After “verified completion,” they might get an additional $5.

“You truly ‘door’ dashed,” one commenter famous.

It appears too ironic to be actual. Waymo autos symbolize technological breakthroughs that after appeared unfathomable. The Alphabet-owned firm simply raised $16 billion to take its driverless vehicles worldwide!

However Waymo and DoorDash confirmed to TechCrunch that this Reddit publish is professional. That is, in truth, an actual drawback.

“Waymo is presently working a pilot program in Atlanta to reinforce its AV fleet effectivity. Within the uncommon occasion a automobile door is left ajar, stopping the automotive from departing, close by Dashers are notified, permitting Waymo to get its autos again on the street rapidly,” Waymo and DoorDash stated in a joint response. (The door-closing partnership, which started earlier this year, is only one side of Waymo and DoorDash’s broader relationship. In October, the businesses launched an autonomous supply service in Phoenix, the place Waymo autos ship meals and groceries to DoorDash prospects.)

If a Waymo door is left open, it’s value it to the corporate to pay somebody to shut it — the automotive can’t full any extra rides if it’s left motionless. To not point out, an unmoving automotive might block the move of site visitors.

This isn’t the primary time Waymo has enlisted assist with its door troubles. In Los Angeles, Waymo works with Honk, an app that’s like Uber for towing providers. In line with reviews, Honk customers in L.A. have been supplied up to $24 to shut a Waymo door — greater than double what Atlanta DoorDash drivers obtain.

The corporate famous that Waymo’s future autos can have automated door closures. However for now, gig employees are Waymo’s finest wager.