Self-driving taxis such as Waymo have attracted considerable attention in recent years, but despite their technological promise, they are unlikely to replace the traditional taxi anytime soon. In Belgium, we will not see this self-driving technology on the road for the time being, while reliable taxi services like CTD Taxi are meeting the demand for fast and customer-friendly rides.
Below, we discuss why self-driving taxis cannot yet compete with the traditional taxi and why customers in Belgium are better off with the flexible service of an experienced taxi company for the time being.
1. Self-driving cars are still under development and of limited availability
Although Waymo operates in several cities in the US, self-driving cars are still technologically in the development stage. Most self-driving vehicles operate in limited, well-defined areas and under specific conditions. In Europe, and especially in Belgium, this technology remains out for now due to several challenges, including our diverse and sometimes complex traffic conditions. Moreover, the infrastructure in Belgium, such as small streets and busy cities, prevents large-scale implementation of self-driving vehicles for the time being.
In contrast, CTD Taxi has been providing reliable mobility in the Mechelen region and far beyond for years. With the flexibility of trained drivers, passengers can count on safe and fast rides, without worrying about the limitations of technology.
2. Public acceptance and trust are lacking
Many consumers are still wary of the idea of fully automated driving. Recent surveys, such as the JD Power 2023 US Mobility Confidence Index survey, show that only 37% of respondents are comfortable with the idea of self-driving vehicles. Moreover, confidence in this technology has declined in recent years, partly due to negative reports of accidents and technical problems.
In Belgium, people prefer to trust personal and direct service with a human touch, as CTD Taxi offers. Our drivers are not only experts in the roads and traffic situations, but can also respond to the customer’s needs and wishes. For many, this is an indispensable aspect of their travel experience, something a computer cannot match.
3. Cost and waiting time remain a stumbling block
Self-driving cars were originally supposed to make public transport cheaper and more accessible, but in practice the costs are often higher. Waymo, for example, has been tested on several routes in the US and is found to be more expensive and slower on average than traditional ride services. This is because the technology is still complex and expensive to maintain, which translates into higher prices for consumers.
At CTD Taxi, customers can count on clear and fair fares, where they do not have to wait for a car that may be delayed due to technical problems. Instead, a friendly driver is on hand who knows the road and chooses the fastest route to get customers to their destination on time.
4. Limited applicability and flexibility
Self-driving cars currently struggle with complex traffic conditions and unexpected situations. They are mostly tested in relatively predictable urban environments, and even there, there are limitations. These vehicles often operate only within predefined zones and typically avoid busy highways. In practice, this means they cannot serve all destinations and are often limited to fixed routes.
CTD Taxi, on the other hand, offers complete flexibility. Whether you are travelling home from the airport or need a business ride, we offer door-to-door service, with no location restrictions. Our drivers can react immediately to changing traffic situations and can take alternative routes if necessary. This makes our service a reliable choice for people who value flexibility and accessibility.
Conclusion
Self-driving taxis are undoubtedly an interesting technological development, but for now they do not yet offer the speed, flexibility and service of a traditional taxi. CTD Taxi therefore remains the best choice for passengers looking for a reliable and customer-oriented taxi service in Belgium. Whether you need airport transfers, business rides or private transport, our drivers are ready to get you to your destination safely and comfortably.
Source:
You can read more about the challenges of self-driving cars in the original article on Forbes: Want to Hail an Autonomous Vehicle? Pay More to Get There Slower
