In San Francisco, several people have acknowledged engaging in sexual activity inside driverless taxis while the vehicles were not actively driving. Reports on the matter have appeared in the local press, including coverage from the San Francisco Standard.
One passenger, referred to as Alex, disclosed in an interview broadcast that he had sexual encounters in unmanned taxis on three occasions. Alex’s partner, identified as Megan, explained that their first experience in an autonomous vehicle occurred during one of these trips.
“Was that the most comfortable ride? Was he the most perfect partner? Probably not. But the element that made it feel exciting was the public setting and the taboo—knowing it was considered wrong by some—added to the sense of thrill,” Megan remarked.
Both Cruise and Waymo have been operating fully self-driving taxis in San Francisco since early 2022. Each company utilizes a network of cameras and microphones both inside and outside their autonomous vehicles. They have stated that these devices are deployed to monitor safety, assist with navigation, and improve system responses. The microphones, they say, are active primarily during support calls and diagnostic sessions. Passengers are required by travel regulations to wear seat belts for the duration of every trip.
Industry observers note that while autonomous ridesharing offers convenience and new mobility options, it also raises questions about privacy, behavior in shared spaces, and the boundaries of public versus private conduct inside automated systems. Safety protocols, pickup and drop-off procedures, and continuous monitoring are part of broader conversations about how to balance innovation with user protections.
A broader look at how autonomous taxis operate reveals a mix of technical challenges and social implications. The evolving technology combines real-time mapping, sensor fusion, and AI-driven decision making to navigate complex urban environments. Companies emphasize ongoing testing, rigorous safety audits, and adherence to local regulations to ensure rider security and system reliability.
Meanwhile, a separate report explores how automated ride systems function in different cities. One such example traces the path of a robot taxi known as Yandex as it traverses Moscow, illustrating how autonomous fleets adapt to varied traffic patterns and regulatory landscapes.