Driverless rides; and new pick-up zones for Gaslamp goers (Photo by Mizuno Kozuki)

Ride-Sharing News You Can Use

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

The futuristic ride-sharing service known as Waymo is about to begin introducing its driver-less vehicles to trusting customers in San Diego over the next few months. The company just completed nearly 18 months of extensive testing on our local streets and freeways. So if you are like some of us who might need a couple of gin martinis before boarding, but yet you’re captivated by the technology, now is the time to download the Waymo One app on your phone to join the growing waiting list of eager customers. The driver-less fleet is expected to be in full swing by mid-December.

In the meantime, the City of San Diego has teamed up with Lyft and Uber in creating designated pickup zones for night crawlers leaving the crowded Gaslamp Quarter on weekend evenings. The recently implemented plan has already helped reduce traffic congestion along Fifth Avenue (between Market and E streets) between the peak hours of 10:00p and 3:00a on Fridays and Saturdays.

Now, users of the ride-sharing companies during those times and days can stroll over to 14 designated, nearby spots to order their rides. The areas, none of which are located on bustling Fifth Avenue, are marked by new signs and freshly painted white curbs. They can be found on Market, E, F and G streets, as well as Fourth, Sixth and Seventh avenues—all within the numbered blocks ranging from 400 to 800.

San Diego police chief Scott Wahl welcomes the new pickup areas, saying through a public statement that “they will enhance public safety and emergency access for everyone visiting the Gaslamp Quarter.”