San Francisco's streets are buzzing with more than just the quiet hum of electric engines. As robotaxis cruise through the city, some passengers are taking the opportunity to heat things up in the back seat. According to an eye-opening report by "The San Francisco Standard," several adventurous couples are getting frisky in these driverless vehicles.
It's not your typical car ride. With robotaxis now operating around the clock in San Francisco, thanks to the likes of Waymo and Cruise, the absence of a driver seems to have sparked a new wave of excitement. The only thing stopping people from getting busy before was the presence of a driver, but now, without one, it's open season for some.
"The fact that we were out and about in public, the whole taboo of it being kind of wrong made it more fun and exciting," Megan revealed to the Standard.
While these autonomous vehicles are a new frontier for passenger privacy, the rules around in-car activities remain a grey area. Neither Waymo nor Cruise explicitly forbid sex in their terms of use, though they do emphasize respectful behavior. Cruise's Community Rules mention avoiding disrespectful or offensive actions, and both companies prohibit smoking and alcohol consumption.
Interestingly, the thrill-seekers might not be as discreet as they hope. Cameras inside and outside the vehicles monitor passenger behavior, ostensibly for safety and maintenance. Plus, with untinted windows, passersby might just catch an intimate glimpse of these mobile escapades.
The idea of using driverless cars for more than just transportation isn't entirely novel. A 2019 article cited by the Standard speculated that autonomous vehicles could even replace "hotels by the hour". While that vision hasn't fully materialized, couples like Alex and Megan are proving that robotaxis are already a popular venue for adventurous rendezvous.
With the rules still evolving and the technology advancing, who knows what the future holds for these driverless dalliances? One thing's for sure: San Francisco's robotaxis are offering more than just a ride to your destination.