Waymo Takes Proactive Step with Voluntary Recall in Texas Amidst Operational Challenges, Keeps Self-Driving Cars Active

In San Jose, California, Waymo has initiated a voluntary recall following incidents reported in Texas. The decision comes after video footage captured the company’s autonomous taxis unlawfully passing stopped school buses in Austin.

While no injuries have been reported, over 19 incidents have prompted school officials to request that Waymo suspend all operations around schools during student pick-up and drop-off times.

RELATED: The DMV has approved Waymo to expand its driverless taxi services across the Bay Area and beyond.

In an interview with our affiliate station KGO-TV, Ahmed Banafa, a technology analyst and professor at San Jose State University, weighed in on the matter.

“The primary concern with autonomous vehicles is trust. Why should someone choose to ride in these cars when they have such a track record?” Banafa remarked. “The software needs improvement, especially since we’re discussing near-miss situations.”

“The issue of autonomous cars is trust, why should I take this car and this car has this history? Now the software they have to do it because again we’re talking about near miss,” Banafa said.

In a statement to KGO-TV, Waymo says it is not taking its robotaxis off the roads for the recall. It says all vehicles had a software update by Nov. 17.

“Are they open for a third party to check that for them? That’s my biggest question, just to make sure that they gain the trust- this is part of the transparency and accountability,” Banafa said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is asking Waymo to answer a series of questions about the Texas incidents.

RELATED: Waymos stalled, confused in San Francisco as people climb, flip off from robotaxis