Waymo to launch “Shabbat Waymode” in Los Angeles!

Imagine this:

It’s Friday night. You’re dressed for Shabbat. Instead of a long walk, a self-driving Waymo car is already waiting outside your home.

No phone. No buttons. No lights are turning on.

You simply open the door, get in, and it quietly takes you to shul.

Introducing Shabbat Waymode!

Waymo, the leader in self-driving robo-taxi services, is to introduce a special mode designed for Shabbat observance.

Why This Matters

In many communities today, getting to shul on Shabbat is not simple.

Think about:

• Los Angeles
• New York City
• Florida

Many observant Jews live too far to walk comfortably.

This affects:

• 👴 Older adults
• ♿ People with disabilities
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Families with kids
• Anyone who simply can’t walk long distances every Shabbat

For decades, the only solution was: Move closer… or don’t go as often.

That is finally changing!

How Would “Shabbat Waymode” Work?

📅 1. Set Everything Before Shabbat

Before Shabbat starts, you:

• Schedule your rides (home → shul, and back)
• Set the exact times
• Repeat it weekly if you want

Once Shabbat begins, you don’t touch anything.

🚘 2. The Car Comes on Its Own

At the right time:

• The car shows up automatically
• Waits outside your home (for about 10 minutes)
• No notifications, no phone needed

You just walk out and get in.

🌙 3. A Quiet, “Shabbat-Friendly” Experience

The car is set up differently:

• No lights turn on when you enter
• No music or screens
• Windows are slightly darker for privacy
• No “tech feeling” inside

It’s calm, simple, and respectful of Shabbat.

🔌 4. No Interaction Needed

Inside the car:

• No buttons
• No touching anything
• No voice commands

You sit, and the car takes you where it was already told to go.

🚨 5. Safety Always Comes First

If there’s ever a serious situation (what Halacha calls Pikuach Nefesh):

• The system can connect to a remote Waymo operator
• That operator would be non-Jewish
• Only used if needed for safety

This keeps the ride both safe and halachically sensitive.

🔧 For Those Who Want the Deeper Details

Here’s how this is going to work behind the scenes:

• Pre-Scheduled Only

All rides are planned before Shabbat — no new actions during Shabbat.

• No “Reaction” to Passengers

The car avoids changing behavior based on:

• Weight (getting in/out)
• Movement
• Touch

This is similar to how Shabbat elevators operate.

• Constant Driving Behavior

The car maintains steady driving power so:

• It’s not “responding” to passenger actions
• Reduces concerns of indirect activation (“grama”)

• No Triggered Systems

Disabled during Shabbat Waymode:

• Seat sensors
• Interior lights
• Screens and media
• User-triggered controls

• Emergency Handling Only

Remote assistance is:

• Automatic (not user-triggered)
• Only used for safety situations
• Handled by non-Jewish operators

Follow us if you want to get updates on the upcoming Shabbat Waymode service.