Waymo robotaxis are generating a growing number of passenger-related emergency calls in Austin, Texas, as incidents involving sleeping riders, medical concerns, and vehicle messes present new operational challenges. According to a report by Automotive News, the company’s safety protocols can require emergency responders to be dispatched when remote staff cannot determine whether a passenger is safe.
Sleeping Passengers Lead to Emergency Calls
Because robotaxis operate without human drivers, passengers may behave differently than they would in a conventional taxi or ride-sharing vehicle. Reported incidents have included passengers falling asleep, spilling drinks, dropping food, vomiting, and experiencing medical emergencies, including giving birth.
Automotive News reported that these situations have been documented in Austin, Texas, where Waymo had been operating for nine months at the time of the report.
During that period, Austin recorded 99 calls involving sleeping passengers, incidents that police and firefighters have nicknamed “sleepers.”
Waymo vehicles are equipped with interior cameras, and remote employees can communicate with passengers. However, if staff members cannot wake a rider or determine whether the passenger is breathing, company procedures may require a 911 call.
Cleanup Fees and Emergency Response Challenges
Robotaxi operators have introduced cleaning fees to address vehicle damage and sanitation issues.
Tesla charges $50 for moderate messes and $150 for smoking or leaving biohazards, including vomit, inside its vehicles.
When a passenger cannot be awakened, emergency responders may initially treat the incident as a possible heart attack. According to the report, only about 3% of these calls have resulted in the passenger being transported to a hospital, while the remaining incidents still require emergency personnel to respond.
Waymo Says Robotaxis Can Improve Emergency Response
Despite the increase in passenger-related incidents, Waymo does not view the driverless model as a disadvantage during emergencies.
David Margines, Waymo’s director of product management, said robotaxis could provide a safer response than traditional taxis or ride-sharing vehicles because human drivers may not know how to react in emergency situations.
The report also states that Waymo vehicles return to company depots for cleaning, and employees reportedly receive additional pay for shifts involving biohazards.
Passengers Also Play a Role
As robotaxi services continue to expand, regulations governing their operation and liability are still evolving.
The report cites Waymo passenger Sarah Vasile, who stepped in dog waste before entering her ride. After immediately reporting the issue, she was not charged a cleaning fee, and the company thanked her.
Robotaxi Fleets Continue to Expand
Waymo has begun testing a growing fleet of Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles alongside its existing Jaguar I-Pace-based fleet.
Tesla also plans to expand its Robotaxi service by adding the two-seat Cybercab, a vehicle designed without a steering wheel or pedals, to a fleet that currently consists of Model Y vehicles.
