In a bizarre twist in the realm of autonomous transport, Waymo has begun compensating DoorDash drivers to close the doors of its driverless taxis after passengers leave them ajar, disrupting traffic flow. This initiative arises from a pressing need to keep the streets clear, as Waymo’s automated vehicles are rendered immobile if any doors remain open. Reports indicate that drivers can earn up to $11 for completing this seemingly simple task, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by one of the leading players in the driverless vehicle sector.
Door Closing: A Surprising Job Opportunity
The unusual partnership between Waymo and DoorDash was brought to light when a DoorDash driver shared their experience on Reddit, revealing they were offered $6.25 for closing a Waymo taxi door, with an additional incentive of $5 upon providing photographic evidence of the task’s completion. The post, which garnered significant attention with over 500 upvotes, prompted comments that underscored the absurdity of the situation. One Reddit user quipped, “You actually DoorDashed,” showcasing the blend of humour and incredulity surrounding this new role.
Both companies confirmed the initiative as part of a pilot programme aimed at exploring innovative ways for drivers to earn additional income. Waymo acknowledged that future advancements may soon allow their vehicles to autonomously close their doors, potentially alleviating the need for human intervention in the long run.
A Broader Support Network
Waymo’s reliance on human assistance extends beyond DoorDash. The company has partnered with Honk, a towing service that operates similarly to Uber but focuses on towing needs. Under this collaboration, workers can earn up to $20 for closing the doors of Waymo taxis or towing vehicles that have lost power. Cesar Marenco, the owner of a towing service in Inglewood, reported completing an average of three jobs weekly for Waymo, illustrating the growing demand for human help in the midst of technological limitations.
This innovative approach to problem-solving comes as Waymo grapples with the challenges posed by power outages, which have left several vehicles stranded in urban environments. A significant power outage in San Francisco in December 2025 led to a chaotic situation where numerous robotaxis were unable to navigate non-functional traffic lights, as they lack the human intuition necessary to make quick decisions in such scenarios.
Technical Limitations and Future Plans
In the aftermath of the San Francisco outage, Waymo faced considerable criticism for its inability to adapt to the circumstances. A spokesperson attributed the delays to the scale of the power failure, which forced vehicles to remain stationary longer than usual while assessing the state of affected intersections. The company noted a marked increase in requests for human assistance during these events, especially in complex urban areas where human oversight could enhance safety.
Despite these challenges, Waymo is poised for expansion, with plans to introduce its services to Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando throughout 2026. This ambitious rollout signifies the company’s commitment to scaling its operations, albeit while navigating the intricate realities of urban mobility and the limitations of current technology.
Why it Matters
The decision to engage DoorDash drivers in closing robotaxi doors underscores a critical juncture in the evolution of autonomous vehicles. As Waymo seeks to enhance the efficiency of its operations amidst operational challenges, it raises important questions about the future of driverless technology and its reliance on human intervention. This partnership not only highlights the ongoing struggles faced by tech companies in achieving true automation but also illustrates the need for adaptive solutions in an ever-evolving landscape. As Waymo prepares to expand, the interplay between innovation and practicality will shape the future of urban transportation, making it essential for stakeholders and consumers alike to stay informed about these developments.
