Google all set to test its self-driving cars with real passengers

After years of testing with its own engineers and drivers, Google is finally taking its self-driving cars on road for general public in Phoenix, Arizona.

Now known as Waymo, the Alphabet Inc. self-driving car unit, announced it's adding 500 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans to its self-driving vehicle fleet, to allow hundreds of people in the Phoenix area to take rides in the cars.

Waymo's 'Early Rider program' is currently available for early testers in parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area including Chandler, Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert. The service is free of cost, and passengers will be accompanied by a human engineer who’ll be behind the wheel at all times. The human intervention will be minimum, except at times when the vehicle isn’t able to conclude a path or is nearing an accident.

We’ve launched the first public trial of our self-driving cars in Phoenix, AZ! Join our early rider program: https://t.co/KdLkkbAPKo pic.twitter.com/twFo83OiyT

— Waymo (@Waymo) April 25, 2017

"We're at the point when it's really important to find how real people, outside the Google environment, will use this technology," said John Krafcik, Waymo's chief executive officer. "Our goal is that they will use this for all their transportation needs."

To be eligible, applicants have to be 18 or older and live and plan to travel within the Phoenix metropolitan area. Early riders are asked to give feedback on their experience.

In a blog post in Medium, Waymo said, "Rather than offering people one or two rides, the goal of this program is to give participants access to our fleet every day, at any time, to go anywhere within an area that’s about twice the size of San Francisco."

Previously, the Waymo had trained drivers testing its vehicles on public roads. The company has racked up 2.5 million miles in the past 8 years that it has been developing its autonomous vehicle technology, according to the WSJ.

If you live in the Phoenix metropolitan area, make sure that you use this opportunity and try Google's very own self-driving car. Also, let us know your experience. You can apply here.