Uber has released self-driving cars in San Francisco, California. These autonomous cars are full of sensors and cameras to monitor the surrounding when the car is on pilot mode. However, riders might be disappointed to learn that at present, the Volvo SUVs are not completely on auto-pilot. In each car, there will be a safety driver to manually drive in case there's a need to do so. This is, in form, Uber's way to test drive their self-driving cars. While the cars are running, Uber engineers will monitor test progress. This is needed especially to ensure safety of its customers.
How to get a ride in one of the self-driven cars? While regular passengers can hire and ride in the super-cars, customers who access Uber's mobile app and request for an uberX are also catered, according to Tech Camp. This is not the first time Uber has released self-driven cars. The first time was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in September, which has now operated successfully for three months. While cars in California are made in partnership with Volvo, cars in Pennsylvania are second generation Fords.
So what is the difference between the two cities? Uber has designed the cars depending on the possible disruptions a regular driver faces in a day to day basis. While Pittsburgh' roads are challenging, San Francisco's has more bikers on the road, and more traffic yet smaller roads.
Uber's mission in innovating the way of commuting has been extremely helpful in minimizing problems in the community, such as car accidents and drunk driving. Most of the customers they have are regular commuters who need affordable yet reliable ways to travel without their own cars. Through this, it is more economical and effective for everyone.
UberX' customers in San Francisco are now looking forward for the full implementation of Uber's newest project, where there is no need for safety drivers to interfere with the car's auto-pilot capabilities.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
