As a third-generation San Franciscan, Gabe claims a deep connection to the city’s politics, having grown up alongside Nancy Pelosi’s children and attended high school with Gavin Newsom – it’s only natural that their legacy runs through his veins. Since 1995, he has consistently driven for various ride-hailing services, including taxicabs, Ubers, and Lyfts, his dedication to the industry evident. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in organizing a taxi driver strike during the late 1990s, showcasing his commitment to advocacy. For two decades, he has penned insightful articles on the topics of driving, ride-hailing, and motorcycling. In the unlikely scenario that we’re merely poking fun at car-chase film clichés, it’s worth noting that Gabe has a more substantial background: as a seasoned machine-gunner for the US Marines during the initial Gulf War, his military credentials are far from trivial. Driving a sleek grey Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle, he proudly displays his military service ribbons on the dashboard, a testament to his dedication and commitment. A 100-year-old ukulele protrudes from the central console, its age and history adding to the vehicle’s unique charm.
As the pursuit begins deliberately, one of us flags down a Waymo several blocks away and takes it to the edge of the parking lot before making a break for our chase vehicle to join up with the others. “Don’t you think you’ve got this already figured out, though?” Gabe asks calmly, his eyes fixed on the road ahead as we hasten to fasten our seatbelts. WIRED blinks.
“!” Gabe says. Don’t you ever tire of watching ancient films? As I burst into the taxi and exclaimed, “Take note of that automobile!”
As the Waymo idles in place, time seems to stand still. For 2 agonizing minutes. A plethora of time stretches out before us, forcing an uncomfortable gaze upon the automotive monstrosity that seems to have been conjured from a fevered dream – a car whose very form appears to be an affront to the senses, with its profusion of whirring contraptions embedded in every available pore and surface. And yet, this mechanical beast stares back at us through its array of 29 cameras and five lidars, meticulously charting our very shape.
“It appears shy,” says Gabe.
“It’s ashamed. It’s so ashamed,” WIRED says. “Recognizing its own deception.”
At precisely 10:42 am, the autonomous Waymo vehicle initiates its navigation process. WIRED shouts, “Observe that automotive!”
As the minute ticked by, Gabe’s frustration mounted, and he let out a deep sigh. I’m still getting accustomed to handling such a slow-moving vehicle.
Let’s experience the thrill of being inside a self-driving car for the first time – it’s an undeniably cool and exciting sensation that leaves you wondering what’s possible. As the gondola empties, you step aboard and slide the door shut behind you. As excitement builds, our adventure takes a thrilling turn into the whimsical realm of an amusement park getaway. No thrills. No lurches. No clatter.
You are surrounded by simplicity itself: sleek black leather, a monotone PC voice, and—currently—a steering wheel, eerily rotating with an otherworldly ease in every direction.
