Journalist Larry Madowo has shared his experience after trying a driverless taxi in Phoenix, Arizona.
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, he described the ride in detail, showing how the self-driving car operated without a human driver. He said the vehicle was fully autonomous and handled traffic on its own.
He explained that he booked the ride shortly after arriving at Phoenix airport, ordered the taxi, and used it to travel to his hotel. He added that the experience felt unusual but impressive as the car moved through traffic smoothly.
“I am in a car that’s driving itself, look, no driver. It just came to a traffic stop, and now we’re moving again,” Larry Madowo said.
Technology in motion
Madowo explained that the car is part of a system known as Waymo, which operates as a fully autonomous vehicle service. He said the car was able to navigate roads, make turns, and respond to traffic conditions without human control. He added that the technology appeared precise and responsive.
“This is in Phoenix, Arizona. Waymo is a fully autonomous vehicle. I landed at Phoenix airport, downloaded the app, ordered it, and it’s taking me to my hotel,” Larry Madowo said.
“Do you see how it’s just making the turning all by…That is neat. I think that my hotel is here,” Larry Madowo said.
Safe navigation and reactions
He further explained that the car responded carefully to a man who was crossing the road. He said the vehicle slowed down to allow him to pass safely. He added that this moment stood out to him during the journey.
“A guy was running. It slowed down to allow the guy to pass, even though he essentially jaywalked,” Larry Madowo said.
Madowo said he was impressed by how the car managed different driving situations. He explained that it continued to move steadily while maintaining awareness of its surroundings. He added that the experience felt advanced and unusual.
“We’re almost at my hotel. I cannot stress enough how much this is witchcraft. A car that is driving itself and navigating traffic,” Larry Madowo said.
