Passengers using Waymo robotaxis near San Francisco International Airport have reported an unusual problem after some rides ended in a residential neighborhood instead of at the airport terminals.
Residents in San Bruno, California, say self-driving Waymo vehicles have been dropping off travelers on the 500 block of Seventh Avenue. The neighborhood is close to the airport, but it is still about three miles away from the terminals.
According to local residents, the issue began around two weeks ago and has become more noticeable in recent days. Neighbors reported seeing a growing number of Waymo vehicles entering the area, with one resident counting nearly 30 vehicles on a single day.
The unexpected drop-offs have created frustration for both passengers and local residents. Travelers arriving in the neighborhood often appear confused after discovering they are not at the airport. Some passengers have been seen carrying luggage while trying to find another way to reach their destination.
Residents shared several stories about travelers who were left far from where they intended to go. One passenger reportedly had an international flight to catch but was dropped off in the neighborhood instead of at the airport. Another traveler carrying multiple suitcases chose to walk toward the airport rather than wait for another ride.
The situation has also created concerns for people living in the area. Neighbors say some Waymo vehicles have remained parked on residential streets for extended periods. Residents reported cases where vehicles stopped near driveways, creating temporary access problems for homeowners.
Local officials are now paying close attention to the issue. San Bruno city leaders said the neighborhood has experienced transportation and parking challenges connected to airport traffic for many years. The city already has rules that limit where vehicles for hire can park on residential streets.
City Councilmember Marty Medina said officials have contacted Waymo regarding the recent increase in activity. Discussions are expected to take place between city representatives and the company to find a solution.
Waymo responded by saying the company reviewed the issue after receiving feedback from riders and support requests through its app. A company spokesperson said the immediate problem had been addressed and corrective action was taken.
Despite that response, some residents remain cautious. They want to see whether the number of Waymo vehicles entering the neighborhood decreases in the coming days. Many homeowners say they are continuing to monitor activity on their streets.
The incident highlights some of the challenges facing autonomous vehicle services as they expand into more cities and transportation hubs. While self-driving technology continues to grow in popularity, navigation errors and unexpected routing issues can affect customer confidence.
San Francisco International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Thousands of travelers rely on ride-hailing and transportation services every day. Even a small navigation problem can impact a large number of passengers.
City leaders are also exploring possible alternatives. One idea under discussion would direct Waymo vehicles to designated parking areas rather than residential streets when they are waiting between rides.
Transportation experts note that autonomous vehicle systems depend on detailed mapping and routing data. If a navigation issue occurs, it can affect multiple vehicles until the system is updated and corrected.
For now, residents hope the recent changes made by Waymo will prevent future drop-off mistakes. Local officials plan to continue working with the company to ensure passengers reach the airport correctly and neighborhoods are not affected by unnecessary vehicle traffic.
As autonomous transportation services become more common, companies and city officials will likely face increasing pressure to quickly resolve issues that affect both customers and local communities.
