The Mysterious Waymo Visits

When Waymo robotaxis park outside her home in West Los Angeles, 10-year-old Morgan can barely contain her excitement. "The Waymo is home!" she shouts to her parents, Lisa Delgin and Zach Tucker. This isn't a one-time thing; Waymos have been idling at their residence time and again, and the question looms—why do they keep returning to the same spot?

An Unofficial Waymo Hub?

Since last year, the Waymos have made their presence known, often parking directly in front of Delgin and Tucker's house after dropping them off, leading to curious observations. The family documented multiple vehicles dubbed "the Waymo," discovering that the robotaxis favor two specific parking spots—one right in front of their home, and the other slightly beside it. Strangely, when both spots are taken, Waymos don't seem to seek out other available spaces on the block.

A Shared Neighborhood Quirk

It's not just the Delgin/Tucker household that has noticed this trend. Residents around LA, and even in Arizona, have reported similar occurrences. Whether it’s in Pico/Fairfax or Scottsdale, families are left puzzled by the robotaxi’s penchant for repeatedly parking in one location—often near busy areas, but never quite where you’d expect.

Waymo's Parking Patterns Explained?

Let's break down why some areas become unofficial Waymo landmarks. Factors like proximity to bustling streets, lack of parking restrictions, and enough curb space seem to play a role. However, none explain the specific repeat behavior that has left residents scratching their heads. Even Waymo struggles to fully understand this phenomenon.

What Happens When Waymo's Idle?

According to Waymo, when robotaxis are not in use, they may idle on the street. While parking depots exist for charging and maintenance, robots also have the ability to select street parking strategically. This choice hinges on various factors, particularly the local parking regulations and density of other Waymos in the vicinity.

Why the Same Spot?

Experts suggest that this odd behavior may stem from the way Waymo's AI handles its parking choices. They might be utilizing machine learning, which allows the vehicles to analyze data and make decisions based on past 'experiences' without a clear understanding of why one spot is favored over another. It's an impressive but perplexing function of their technology.

Feeling Unsettled?

Some residents express discomfort with the omnipresent cameras on these Waymos, leading to a mix of amusement and annoyance from the Delgin/Tucker family. Although Waymo follows parking regulations, with no confirmed complaints regarding 'loitering', community feedback has prompted the company to adjust its practices and avoid designated complaint zones.

The Future of Waymo in Neighborhoods

With Waymo's presence fluctuating and demand increasing, behavior adjustments may not bring clarity anytime soon. As Lisa Delgin reflects, she hopes that the very vehicles taking 'breaks' outside their home will soon be there when she needs a ride.