I’m all for the development of robo taxis. However, I think most are over estimating the cost advantage of removing the driver who partially just gets replaced with cleaning crews and remote operators.
Let’s go through a short list items…
A driver can quickly decide if the car needs serious cleaning or not in a second, can prevent most serious cleanups just by being there, can ask the rider is a slightly different drop off location is OK when there is a lot of congestion and never has to call home for help unless in a serious accident. The driver/owner also takes care of all minor maintenance, never really needs to clean cameras but can clean windows as needed and usually has their own paid-for parking space. They can help elders and others with heavy luggage.
Of course drivers can be annoying and chatty, get tired and be creepy to single female riders.
And most drivers do this as an as-needed side hustle so they don’t consider time off, vacation and retirement as part of what they signed up for.
Mike