The conversation about the future of self-driving cars took an unexpected leap forward today, as Waymo announced its use of fully automated rides—with no human driver present.

Waymo, the self-driving car company under the purview of Google-parent company Alphabet Inc., today announced a dramatic step forward in self-driving car technology.
"Speaking at the Web Summit conference in Lisbon, Portugal, Waymo CEO John Krafcik said on Tuesday that company technicians are already hailing its Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans in and around Phoenix via a mobile app and leaving it to the artificial intelligence operating the vehicles to figure out how to get to requested destinations," reports Alan Ohnsman.
According to Ohnsman, the announcement appears to make Waymo the first of many competitors "to operate an autonomous fleet without safety drivers."
Waymo shared a video announcing the breakthrough on YouTube, which you can watch below. The video also predicts that the public will soon be using self-driving vehicles in their daily lives. A post on Waymo's Medium site also offers more details.
FULL STORY: Our Driverless Future Begins As Waymo Transitions To Robot-Only Chauffeurs

Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates
The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns
Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces
It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets
Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.

San Francisco Supervisors Punt Housing Ordinance
After hours of public comment, the zoning reform package aimed at increasing housing production and limiting red tape was delayed for further discussion.

Pittsburgh Launches Adaptive Bike Share Fleet
The new bikes include a recumbent bicycle and a front-loading cargo bike.
City of Stonecrest
City of Grand Junction Police Department
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Culver City
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.