Christina Campodonico

Since <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/brief-history-of-drag-queen-story-hour_n_64077824e4b0e0a15960a4a0">starting in San Francisco eight years ago</a>, Drag Queen Story Hour—recently rebranded as Drag Story Hour to be inclusive of all gender identities—has advocated for youth literacy across the U.S. through events featuring drag performers reading to children.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Since <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/brief-history-of-drag-queen-story-hour_n_64077824e4b0e0a15960a4a0">starting in San Francisco eight years ago</a>, Drag Queen Story Hour—recently rebranded as Drag Story Hour to be inclusive of all gender identities—has advocated for youth literacy across the U.S. through events featuring drag performers reading to children.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

But what was supposed to be an hour of wonder and whimsy was broken at Alameda County’s San Lorenzo Library on June 11, 2022, when a group of five men believed to be affiliated with the far-right extremist group known as the Proud Boys stormed the gathering, harassing attendees and performers with a slew of homophobic and anti-LGBTQ+ slurs.&nbsp;

But what was supposed to be an hour of wonder and whimsy was broken at Alameda County’s San Lorenzo Library on June 11, 2022, when a group of five men believed to be affiliated with the far-right extremist group known as the Proud Boys stormed the gathering, harassing attendees and performers with a slew of homophobic and anti-LGBTQ+ slurs.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo8-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169466"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Two pro-Drag Story Hour demonstrators stand outside the San Lorenzo Library to show their support of the children&#8217;s storytelling event on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo8-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169466"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Two pro-Drag Story Hour demonstrators stand outside the San Lorenzo Library to show their support of the children's storytelling event on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo8-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169466"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Two pro-Drag Story Hour demonstrators stand outside the San Lorenzo Library to show their support of the children&#8217;s storytelling event on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

&#8220;They said, &#8216;Who brought the tranny? It&#8217;s a groomer. It&#8217;s a pedophile. Why do you bring your kids to this event?'&#8221; Panda Dulce, the performer at the San Lorenzo Library that day, <a href="https://abc7ny.com/drag-queen-story-hour-proud-boys-library-panda-dulce-california/11955295/">told ABC7</a> after the disruption, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/21/us/drag-lgbtq-rights-race-deconstructed-newsletter-reaj/index.html">which also made national headlines</a>.

"They said, 'Who brought the tranny? It's a groomer. It's a pedophile. Why do you bring your kids to this event?'" Panda Dulce, the performer at the San Lorenzo Library that day, <a href="https://abc7ny.com/drag-queen-story-hour-proud-boys-library-panda-dulce-california/11955295/">told ABC7</a> after the disruption, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/21/us/drag-lgbtq-rights-race-deconstructed-newsletter-reaj/index.html">which also made national headlines</a>.

&#8220;They said, &#8216;Who brought the tranny? It&#8217;s a groomer. It&#8217;s a pedophile. Why do you bring your kids to this event?'&#8221; Panda Dulce, the performer at the San Lorenzo Library that day, <a href="https://abc7ny.com/drag-queen-story-hour-proud-boys-library-panda-dulce-california/11955295/">told ABC7</a> after the disruption, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/21/us/drag-lgbtq-rights-race-deconstructed-newsletter-reaj/index.html">which also made national headlines</a>.

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office <a href="https://abc7news.com/drag-queen-story-hour-panda-dulce-san-lorenzo-library-proud-boys/11956109/">investigated the incident as a possible hate crime</a> at the time. But the county District Attorney’s Office ultimately determined that the disturbance did not meet the criteria of a hate crime and no charges have been filed, said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Tya M. Modeste.&nbsp;

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office <a href="https://abc7news.com/drag-queen-story-hour-panda-dulce-san-lorenzo-library-proud-boys/11956109/">investigated the incident as a possible hate crime</a> at the time. But the county District Attorney’s Office ultimately determined that the disturbance did not meet the criteria of a hate crime and no charges have been filed, said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Tya M. Modeste.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo11-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169473"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An anti-Drag Story Hour protester holds a sign outside the San Lorenzo Library on the day of a controversial children&#8217;s storytelling event on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo11-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169473"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An anti-Drag Story Hour protester holds a sign outside the San Lorenzo Library on the day of a controversial children's storytelling event on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo11-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169473"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An anti-Drag Story Hour protester holds a sign outside the San Lorenzo Library on the day of a controversial children&#8217;s storytelling event on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard </figcaption></figure>

One year later, around half a dozen sheriff’s deputies were standing outside the library as drag performer Vera! read stories to children and families. Outside, dozens of protesters for and against Drag Story Hour chanted and waved flags for their respective causes on four corners of the street at the intersection in front of the library’s entrance.

One year later, around half a dozen sheriff’s deputies were standing outside the library as drag performer Vera! read stories to children and families. Outside, dozens of protesters for and against Drag Story Hour chanted and waved flags for their respective causes on four corners of the street at the intersection in front of the library’s entrance.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo3-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169470"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A group of anti-Drag Story Hour demonstrators hold signs expressing their opposition to the event on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo3-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169470"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A group of anti-Drag Story Hour demonstrators hold signs expressing their opposition to the event on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

On one side of the street, demonstrators in opposition to Drag Story Hour blasted country music, carried Christian and American flags and shouted, “Save our children,” while holding up signs with slogans like, “Keep Drag 18+,” “Biology Is Not Bigotry” and “Drag Queen Story Time Not for Kids.”&nbsp;

On one side of the street, demonstrators in opposition to Drag Story Hour blasted country music, carried Christian and American flags and shouted, “Save our children,” while holding up signs with slogans like, “Keep Drag 18+,” “Biology Is Not Bigotry” and “Drag Queen Story Time Not for Kids.”&nbsp;

On the other, colorfully dressed organizers and supporters of Drag Story Hour, including members of the community group Castro Valley Pride and other LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, held up rainbow flags and signs and danced to the music of Taylor Swift as cars whizzed by—some honking in a show of support for one of the two opposing protests.&nbsp;

On the other, colorfully dressed organizers and supporters of Drag Story Hour, including members of the community group Castro Valley Pride and other LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, held up rainbow flags and signs and danced to the music of Taylor Swift as cars whizzed by—some honking in a show of support for one of the two opposing protests.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo2-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169459"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sister Eva, a member of the San Francisco-based Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, flashes a peace sign at a demonstration in support of Drag Story Hour at the San Lorenzo Library on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo2-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169459"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sister Eva, a member of the San Francisco-based Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, flashes a peace sign at a demonstration in support of Drag Story Hour at the San Lorenzo Library on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

While a few occasional attempts to cross the street—and the proverbial aisle—turned into curious Q&amp;As between the two sets of demonstrators, others turned into short-lived shouting matches, all swiftly broken up by a private security guard attempting to maintain the peace or a Drag Story Hour organizer trained as part of the organization’s new Shields Up! Royal Guard safety marshal program.

While a few occasional attempts to cross the street—and the proverbial aisle—turned into curious Q&amp;As between the two sets of demonstrators, others turned into short-lived shouting matches, all swiftly broken up by a private security guard attempting to maintain the peace or a Drag Story Hour organizer trained as part of the organization’s new Shields Up! Royal Guard safety marshal program.

The Shields Up! program was developed in part as a response to last year’s San Lorenzo Drag Story Hour—as well as other anti-LGBTQ+ attacks such as Colorado’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/locals-mourn-those-killed-and-injured-in-shooting-at-club-q-an-lgbtq-nightclub-in-colorado/">Club Q shooting</a> last year. In addition to deescalation techniques, the new pilot program trains Drag Story Hour volunteers in safety contingency planning and strategies for entering and exiting events safely.&nbsp;

The Shields Up! program was developed in part as a response to last year’s San Lorenzo Drag Story Hour—as well as other anti-LGBTQ+ attacks such as Colorado’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/locals-mourn-those-killed-and-injured-in-shooting-at-club-q-an-lgbtq-nightclub-in-colorado/">Club Q shooting</a> last year. In addition to deescalation techniques, the new pilot program trains Drag Story Hour volunteers in safety contingency planning and strategies for entering and exiting events safely.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo5-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169462"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alameda County Sheriff&#8217;s officers stand outside the San Lorenzo Library during Drag Story Hour on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo5-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169462"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alameda County Sheriff's officers stand outside the San Lorenzo Library during Drag Story Hour on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo5-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169462"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alameda County Sheriff&#8217;s officers stand outside the San Lorenzo Library during Drag Story Hour on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard </figcaption></figure>

“Even though it is really deeply sad to me that there is so much hostility against the LGBTQ community right now, especially transgender women and drag performers, knowing that we have a community of support and a solid base of people is really heartening,” said Baylee Van, coordinator for Drag Story Hour’s San Francisco chapter and the pilot program. “Our goal is to create a more accepting and expansive world for children, even in the face of hostility. Ultimately, we don&#8217;t want to show children that you will have to hide because there are people speaking out against you. You&#8217;re still allowed to be who you are.”&nbsp;

“Even though it is really deeply sad to me that there is so much hostility against the LGBTQ community right now, especially transgender women and drag performers, knowing that we have a community of support and a solid base of people is really heartening,” said Baylee Van, coordinator for Drag Story Hour’s San Francisco chapter and the pilot program. “Our goal is to create a more accepting and expansive world for children, even in the face of hostility. Ultimately, we don't want to show children that you will have to hide because there are people speaking out against you. You're still allowed to be who you are.”&nbsp;

“Even though it is really deeply sad to me that there is so much hostility against the LGBTQ community right now, especially transgender women and drag performers, knowing that we have a community of support and a solid base of people is really heartening,” said Baylee Van, coordinator for Drag Story Hour’s San Francisco chapter and the pilot program. “Our goal is to create a more accepting and expansive world for children, even in the face of hostility. Ultimately, we don&#8217;t want to show children that you will have to hide because there are people speaking out against you. You&#8217;re still allowed to be who you are.”&nbsp;

Opposition to Drag Story Hour, however, still remains strong with some Bay Area community members who believe that drag is overly sexual and its performance is inappropriate for children.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Opposition to Drag Story Hour, however, still remains strong with some Bay Area community members who believe that drag is overly sexual and its performance is inappropriate for children.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo9-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169479"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A group of anti-Drag Story Hour demonstrators hold signs outside the San Lorenzo Library on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo9-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169479"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A group of anti-Drag Story Hour demonstrators hold signs outside the San Lorenzo Library on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“Fringe alternative sexual lifestyles shouldn&#8217;t be presented in front of children,” said David Reddy, co-founder of a social media-based group of concerned parents and individuals called Bay Area Against Mandates, which organized the anti-Drag Story Hour protest. “Leave the kids out of it. If you&#8217;re a consenting adult, ‘Hey, that&#8217;s fine.&#8217;”

“Fringe alternative sexual lifestyles shouldn't be presented in front of children,” said David Reddy, co-founder of a social media-based group of concerned parents and individuals called Bay Area Against Mandates, which organized the anti-Drag Story Hour protest. “Leave the kids out of it. If you're a consenting adult, ‘Hey, that's fine.'”

“Fringe alternative sexual lifestyles shouldn&#8217;t be presented in front of children,” said David Reddy, co-founder of a social media-based group of concerned parents and individuals called Bay Area Against Mandates, which organized the anti-Drag Story Hour protest. “Leave the kids out of it. If you&#8217;re a consenting adult, ‘Hey, that&#8217;s fine.&#8217;”

But representatives of Drag Story Hour reject Reddy’s narrative, noting that none of the organization’s programming is sexual in nature.&nbsp;

But representatives of Drag Story Hour reject Reddy’s narrative, noting that none of the organization’s programming is sexual in nature.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo12-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169489"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An anti-Drag Story Hour demonstrator carries a protest sign on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo12-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169489"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An anti-Drag Story Hour demonstrator carries a protest sign on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“The only sexual content existing at this event are the signs of the counter-protesters,” Van said, commenting on a range of anti-Drag Story Hour protest signs coded with sexual innuendo, including one that read “Groom Dogs Not Kids.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The only sexual content existing at this event are the signs of the counter-protesters,” Van said, commenting on a range of anti-Drag Story Hour protest signs coded with sexual innuendo, including one that read “Groom Dogs Not Kids.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“All of our performers are background checked on a county, state and federal level, and we put a lot of effort into keeping these events safe and child-friendly,” Van said.&nbsp;

“All of our performers are background checked on a county, state and federal level, and we put a lot of effort into keeping these events safe and child-friendly,” Van said.&nbsp;

Drag Story Hour Executive Director Jonathan Hamilt maintains that the group’s storytelling style “captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood” and offers kids the opportunity “to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where everyone can be their authentic selves.”

Drag Story Hour Executive Director Jonathan Hamilt maintains that the group’s storytelling style “captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood” and offers kids the opportunity “to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where everyone can be their authentic selves.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1406" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo6-2500x1406.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169476"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former San Leandro resident Jessi Bailey demonstrated outside the San Lorenzo Library to show her support for LGBTQ+ rights in the community she used to call home on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo6-2500x1406.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169476"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former San Leandro resident Jessi Bailey demonstrated outside the San Lorenzo Library to show her support for LGBTQ+ rights in the community she used to call home on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Other supporters of Drag Story assert that exclusive focus on the “Drag” of Drag Story Hour also misses the event’s larger mission to encourage youth literacy and the power of the artistic medium to challenge societal norms.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Other supporters of Drag Story assert that exclusive focus on the “Drag” of Drag Story Hour also misses the event’s larger mission to encourage youth literacy and the power of the artistic medium to challenge societal norms.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Drag Queen Story Hour’s most potent teachings, like any good drag performance, are best read between the lines,” wrote Drag Story Hour performer Lil Miss Hot Mess <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/drag-queens-story-hour-goes-on-rcna34169" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in an op-ed for NBC News</a> last year. “Through drag, we’re able to see those elements of society that are a hot mess and find the courage and creativity to change them.”

“Drag Queen Story Hour’s most potent teachings, like any good drag performance, are best read between the lines,” wrote Drag Story Hour performer Lil Miss Hot Mess <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/drag-queens-story-hour-goes-on-rcna34169" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in an op-ed for NBC News</a> last year. “Through drag, we’re able to see those elements of society that are a hot mess and find the courage and creativity to change them.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo13-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169486"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Suz, a Bay Area resident, waves a trans and LGBTQ+ Pride flag on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo13-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169486"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Suz, a Bay Area resident, waves a trans and LGBTQ+ Pride flag on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Other anti-Drag Story Hour protesters in the group—which included Hayward politician and former Republican congressional candidate Tom Wong—cited religious beliefs or political views&nbsp;for opposing Drag Story Hour. “I’m supporting the parents and the community and conservative values,” Wong said.

Other anti-Drag Story Hour protesters in the group—which included Hayward politician and former Republican congressional candidate Tom Wong—cited religious beliefs or political views&nbsp;for opposing Drag Story Hour. “I’m supporting the parents and the community and conservative values,” Wong said.

Even though some Drag Story Hour supporters—or defenders, as they also call themselves—felt trepidation at coming to the site of last year’s scene, several hoped to show solidarity with Drag Story Hour, demonstrate that San Lorenzo is a safe and welcoming community for LGBTQ+ people and dispel misinformation around Drag Story Hour and LGBTQ+ identities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even though some Drag Story Hour supporters—or defenders, as they also call themselves—felt trepidation at coming to the site of last year’s scene, several hoped to show solidarity with Drag Story Hour, demonstrate that San Lorenzo is a safe and welcoming community for LGBTQ+ people and dispel misinformation around Drag Story Hour and LGBTQ+ identities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo14-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169483"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Demonstrators for and against Drag Story Hour come together for a conversation outside the San Lorenzo Library on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sanlorenzo14-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169483"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Demonstrators for and against Drag Story Hour come together for a conversation outside the San Lorenzo Library on Sunday. | Christina Campodonico/The Standard </figcaption></figure>

“I&#8217;m glad that we&#8217;re here having these debates in person now,” said Sister Eva of the SF-based human rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy group The Sisters Perpetual Indulgence. “I think it&#8217;s really important that we do have these conversations.”&nbsp;

“I'm glad that we're here having these debates in person now,” said Sister Eva of the SF-based human rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy group The Sisters Perpetual Indulgence. “I think it's really important that we do have these conversations.”&nbsp;

“I&#8217;m glad that we&#8217;re here having these debates in person now,” said Sister Eva of the SF-based human rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy group The Sisters Perpetual Indulgence. “I think it&#8217;s really important that we do have these conversations.”&nbsp;

While moments of the day’s two opposing protests were tense and the fear of potential violence loomed, Alameda County Librarian Cindy Chadwick, said the library was prepared for the political actions. The day ended without ever boiling over into physical violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While moments of the day’s two opposing protests were tense and the fear of potential violence loomed, Alameda County Librarian Cindy Chadwick, said the library was prepared for the political actions. The day ended without ever boiling over into physical violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a roundabout way, Chadwick said that while the day’s events were fraught, its backdrop did demonstrate the power of the national library system to be a platform for civic discourse.&nbsp;

In a roundabout way, Chadwick said that while the day’s events were fraught, its backdrop did demonstrate the power of the national library system to be a platform for civic discourse.&nbsp;

“It&#8217;s democracy in action, right?” said Chadwick. “This is exactly the place where these kind of things should happen. It&#8217;s a public library. [&#8230;] This is a place for those for different viewpoints, for different backgrounds to meet.”

“It's democracy in action, right?” said Chadwick. “This is exactly the place where these kind of things should happen. It's a public library. [...] This is a place for those for different viewpoints, for different backgrounds to meet.”

“It&#8217;s democracy in action, right?” said Chadwick. “This is exactly the place where these kind of things should happen. It&#8217;s a public library. [&#8230;] This is a place for those for different viewpoints, for different backgrounds to meet.”

Drag story hour: Proud Boys targeted a Bay Area library last year. This year, both sides rallied

Rya Jetha

A little after 9 a.m. every weekday, crypto entrepreneur Alex Masmej orders a Waymo to shuttle him from his home in Hayes Valley to a coworking space in the Presidio.&nbsp;

A little after 9 a.m. every weekday, crypto entrepreneur Alex Masmej orders a Waymo to shuttle him from his home in Hayes Valley to a coworking space in the Presidio.&nbsp;

“It’s a delightful part of the day,” said Masmej, who clambers into the plush Jaguar SUV, reclines the passenger seat, and blasts earsplitting dance music for his 15-minute commute. “You regain your freedom.”

“It’s a delightful part of the day,” said Masmej, who clambers into the plush Jaguar SUV, reclines the passenger seat, and blasts earsplitting dance music for his 15-minute commute. “You regain your freedom.”

Masmej is part of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/25/meet-the-biggest-waymo-addicts/">growing cohort</a> of San Franciscans who have essentially quit using Uber — barring exorbitantly long Waymo wait times or a required trip to the airport. (Waymo does not currently have a permit to operate rides there.)&nbsp;

$14,000 on Waymos?! Meet SF&#8217;s biggest robotaxi addicts

Masmej is part of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/25/meet-the-biggest-waymo-addicts/">growing cohort</a> of San Franciscans who have essentially quit using Uber — barring exorbitantly long Waymo wait times or a required trip to the airport. (Waymo does not currently have a permit to operate rides there.)&nbsp;

His Waymo account recently ticked past 620 rides, including more than 1,600 miles traveled and 9,000 minutes spent in the vehicles. Masmej believes San Francisco is well on its way to becoming a total robotaxi town.&nbsp;

His Waymo account recently ticked past 620 rides, including more than 1,600 miles traveled and 9,000 minutes spent in the vehicles. Masmej believes San Francisco is well on its way to becoming a total robotaxi town.&nbsp;

Since Waymo opened its service to the general public last summer, San Franciscans have watched the robotaxi’s signature silhouette become a regular part of life. As more than 300 cars in its fleet trundle up the steep incline of Telegraph Hill and along the boulevards of Outer Sunset, Waymo appears to be on an inevitable road to domination.

Since Waymo opened its service to the general public last summer, San Franciscans have watched the robotaxi’s signature silhouette become a regular part of life. As more than 300 cars in its fleet trundle up the steep incline of Telegraph Hill and along the boulevards of Outer Sunset, Waymo appears to be on an inevitable road to domination.

“The change in San Francisco has been dramatic,” Lyft CEO David Risher wrote last month in a <a href="https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/av-transportation-revolution-david-risher">blog post</a>. “I can’t go two blocks without seeing a self-driving car.”

“The change in San Francisco has been dramatic,” Lyft CEO David Risher wrote last month in a <a href="https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/av-transportation-revolution-david-risher">blog post</a>. “I can’t go two blocks without seeing a self-driving car.”

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<div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_003.jpg?w=1667" alt="A smartphone displays a ride-hailing app, showing a car almost at pickup. Details include trip info from Home to Work, costing $14.40, with various options." class="wp-image-380046"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alex Masmej&#8217;s commute was $14.40. An UberX at the same time was $11.59, and an Uber Comfort Electric, with vehicles similar to Waymo&#8217;s Jaguar iPace, was $15.96.</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_014.jpg?w=1667" alt="A person wearing a denim jacket, gray scarf, and holding a yellow phone smiles while seated in a car's rear seat. Sunlight highlights their casual attire." class="wp-image-380047"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masmej enjoys listening to Dua Lipa and Katy Perry on his way to work. Sometimes, he reclines the front seat and takes a nap. </figcaption></figure></div>

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<div class="wp-block-columns reduce-gutter"><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_003.jpg?w=1667" alt="A smartphone displays a ride-hailing app, showing a car almost at pickup. Details include trip info from Home to Work, costing $14.40, with various options." class="wp-image-380046"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alex Masmej&#8217;s commute was $14.40. An UberX at the same time was $11.59, and an Uber Comfort Electric, with vehicles similar to Waymo&#8217;s Jaguar iPace, was $15.96.</figcaption></figure></div><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_014.jpg?w=1667" alt="A person wearing a denim jacket, gray scarf, and holding a yellow phone smiles while seated in a car's rear seat. Sunlight highlights their casual attire." class="wp-image-380047"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masmej enjoys listening to Dua Lipa and Katy Perry on his way to work. Sometimes, he reclines the front seat and takes a nap. </figcaption></figure></div></div>

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<div class="wp-block-group alignwide no-bottom-margin"><div class="wp-block-columns reduce-gutter"><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_003.jpg?w=1667" alt="A smartphone displays a ride-hailing app, showing a car almost at pickup. Details include trip info from Home to Work, costing $14.40, with various options." class="wp-image-380046"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alex Masmej&#8217;s commute was $14.40. An UberX at the same time was $11.59, and an Uber Comfort Electric, with vehicles similar to Waymo&#8217;s Jaguar iPace, was $15.96.</figcaption></figure></div><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_014.jpg?w=1667" alt="A person wearing a denim jacket, gray scarf, and holding a yellow phone smiles while seated in a car's rear seat. Sunlight highlights their casual attire." class="wp-image-380047"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masmej enjoys listening to Dua Lipa and Katy Perry on his way to work. Sometimes, he reclines the front seat and takes a nap. </figcaption></figure></div></div></div>

Alex Masmej takes a Waymo to his workplace in the Presidio on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Masmej takes a Waymo virtually every day.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_015.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows the interior of a car with a digital dashboard and GPS display, overlooking a suburban street lined with red-roofed brick buildings." class="wp-image-380050"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masmej began using Waymos in 2023 when the app had a waitlist and wasn&#8217;t publicly available. Waymo One became available to all San Franciscans in June.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_015.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows the interior of a car with a digital dashboard and GPS display, overlooking a suburban street lined with red-roofed brick buildings." class="wp-image-380050"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masmej began using Waymos in 2023 when the app had a waitlist and wasn't publicly available. Waymo One became available to all San Franciscans in June.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_015.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows the interior of a car with a digital dashboard and GPS display, overlooking a suburban street lined with red-roofed brick buildings." class="wp-image-380050"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masmej began using Waymos in 2023 when the app had a waitlist and wasn&#8217;t publicly available. Waymo One became available to all San Franciscans in June.</figcaption></figure>

<div class="wp-block-group alignwide mobile-margin-top-small"><figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_015.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows the interior of a car with a digital dashboard and GPS display, overlooking a suburban street lined with red-roofed brick buildings." class="wp-image-380050"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masmej began using Waymos in 2023 when the app had a waitlist and wasn&#8217;t publicly available. Waymo One became available to all San Franciscans in June.</figcaption></figure></div>

Just as San Francisco functioned as ground zero for the rideshare revolution in the 2010s, the quick adoption of robotaxis gives the impression that the city is a bellwether for another full-scale infrastructure transformation —&nbsp;one that won’t end well for the harbinger of the last paradigm shift.

Just as San Francisco functioned as ground zero for the rideshare revolution in the 2010s, the quick adoption of robotaxis gives the impression that the city is a bellwether for another full-scale infrastructure transformation —&nbsp;one that won’t end well for the harbinger of the last paradigm shift.

“Uber’s product is getting eaten by Waymo,” said a former Uber product executive who left after the company went public in 2019. “The thing Uber did to everyone else, Waymo is doing to them now.”&nbsp;

“Uber’s product is getting eaten by Waymo,” said a former Uber product executive who left after the company went public in 2019. “The thing Uber did to everyone else, Waymo is doing to them now.”&nbsp;

In other words, Uber — whose global ascendancy wrecked the taxi industry — is toast. Right?

In other words, Uber — whose global ascendancy wrecked the taxi industry — is toast. Right?

That’s what Travis Kalanick, Uber’s cofounder and former CEO, predicted would be the case if the company didn’t win the robotaxi race. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/travis-kalanick-interview-on-self-driving-cars-future-driver-jobs-2016-8">In a 2016 interview</a>, Kalanick said that if Uber didn’t have an autonomous vehicle before its competitors, “then the future passes us by basically, in a very expeditious and efficient way.”

That’s what Travis Kalanick, Uber’s cofounder and former CEO, predicted would be the case if the company didn’t win the robotaxi race. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/travis-kalanick-interview-on-self-driving-cars-future-driver-jobs-2016-8">In a 2016 interview</a>, Kalanick said that if Uber didn’t have an autonomous vehicle before its competitors, “then the future passes us by basically, in a very expeditious and efficient way.”

“The entity that&#8217;s in first, then rolls out a ride-sharing network that is far cheaper or far higher-quality than Uber&#8217;s, then Uber is no longer a thing,” added Kalanick.

“The entity that's in first, then rolls out a ride-sharing network that is far cheaper or far higher-quality than Uber's, then Uber is no longer a thing,” added Kalanick.

“The entity that&#8217;s in first, then rolls out a ride-sharing network that is far cheaper or far higher-quality than Uber&#8217;s, then Uber is no longer a thing,” added Kalanick.

Kalanick’s predictions are not quite how industry experts see things playing out, however. Thanks to its big head start, Uber’s ubiquity means it may be the network that Waymo can’t live without. The flexible, low-overhead model in which drivers own their own cars makes it more attractive as a partner than as a competitor, especially at times of peak demand.&nbsp;

Kalanick’s predictions are not quite how industry experts see things playing out, however. Thanks to its big head start, Uber’s ubiquity means it may be the network that Waymo can’t live without. The flexible, low-overhead model in which drivers own their own cars makes it more attractive as a partner than as a competitor, especially at times of peak demand.&nbsp;

But that doesn’t mean Uber is safe, because beyond Waymo looms another threat to its business model — in the form of Elon Musk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But that doesn’t mean Uber is safe, because beyond Waymo looms another threat to its business model — in the form of Elon Musk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-master-network">The master network </h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-master-network">The master network </h2>

Uber once had ambitions to be the star of the robotaxi revolution. The company spent billions to outmaneuver its bitter rival Google and its Waymo self-driving car unit. Google sued in response, alleging that Waymo cofounder Anthony Levandowski stole trade secrets before selling his startup to Uber, leading to a $245 million settlement and his criminal conviction.

Uber once had ambitions to be the star of the robotaxi revolution. The company spent billions to outmaneuver its bitter rival Google and its Waymo self-driving car unit. Google sued in response, alleging that Waymo cofounder Anthony Levandowski stole trade secrets before selling his startup to Uber, leading to a $245 million settlement and his criminal conviction.

Uber waved the white flag on developing autonomous technology in-house in 2020, when it sold off its research unit, citing its high expense.&nbsp;

Uber waved the white flag on developing autonomous technology in-house in 2020, when it sold off its research unit, citing its high expense.&nbsp;

Still, Uber is the dominant rideshare player in the U.S., and globally. In 2024, Uber had $9.8 billion in net income — a four times increase from the previous year — while Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, has guzzled more than $11 billion from investors, with no profits in sight.&nbsp;

Still, Uber is the dominant rideshare player in the U.S., and globally. In 2024, Uber had $9.8 billion in net income — a four times increase from the previous year — while Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, has guzzled more than $11 billion from investors, with no profits in sight.&nbsp;

Uber is operating at a scale so large that at one point in December, there were 1 million trips happening through its platform simultaneously.&nbsp;

Uber is operating at a scale so large that at one point in December, there were 1 million trips happening through its platform simultaneously.&nbsp;

“That’s more than the entire population of San Francisco using our platform — at the same time,” CEO Dara Khosrowshahi <a href="https://x.com/dkhos/status/1866497371989049418">wrote on X</a>. Put another way, Uber makes 1,000 times the trips Waymo makes every week.&nbsp;

“That’s more than the entire population of San Francisco using our platform — at the same time,” CEO Dara Khosrowshahi <a href="https://x.com/dkhos/status/1866497371989049418">wrote on X</a>. Put another way, Uber makes 1,000 times the trips Waymo makes every week.&nbsp;

But data released in December appeared to show Waymo rapidly chipping away at the market shares of Uber and Lyft. When Waymo launched in 2023, Uber and Lyft had San Francisco market shares of 66% and 34%, respectively, according to YipitData, which uses customer receipts for its estimates. Fifteen months later, at the end of 2024, Waymo was at 22% —&nbsp;the same as Lyft —&nbsp;with Uber at 55%.

But data released in December appeared to show Waymo rapidly chipping away at the market shares of Uber and Lyft. When Waymo launched in 2023, Uber and Lyft had San Francisco market shares of 66% and 34%, respectively, according to YipitData, which uses customer receipts for its estimates. Fifteen months later, at the end of 2024, Waymo was at 22% —&nbsp;the same as Lyft —&nbsp;with Uber at 55%.

Alex Masmej walks towards his workplace in the Presidio on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Masmej takes a Waymo virtually every day.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_019_4ac560.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person walks along a sidewalk lined with red brick buildings and lush greenery. A sign reads &quot;House of Web3.&quot; The sky is clear with distant water visible." class="wp-image-380053"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masmej commutes to House of Web3, a coworking space in the Presidio, where he&#8217;s building social media apps on the blockchain.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_019_4ac560.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person walks along a sidewalk lined with red brick buildings and lush greenery. A sign reads &quot;House of Web3.&quot; The sky is clear with distant water visible." class="wp-image-380053"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masmej commutes to House of Web3, a coworking space in the Presidio, where he's building social media apps on the blockchain.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8375852186_uberwaymotesla_019_4ac560.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person walks along a sidewalk lined with red brick buildings and lush greenery. A sign reads &quot;House of Web3.&quot; The sky is clear with distant water visible." class="wp-image-380053"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masmej commutes to House of Web3, a coworking space in the Presidio, where he&#8217;s building social media apps on the blockchain.</figcaption></figure>

Uber, Lyft, and independent rideshare industry analysts dispute these percentages, which factor in only the rides within Waymo’s SF operating zone, thus excluding highways and trips to and from the airport.&nbsp;

Uber, Lyft, and independent rideshare industry analysts dispute these percentages, which factor in only the rides within Waymo’s SF operating zone, thus excluding highways and trips to and from the airport.&nbsp;

An Uber spokesperson said year-over-year gross bookings in San Francisco have been consistent for several quarters. Lyft’s Risher <a href="https://x.com/davidrisher/status/1867742167617442032">said on X in December</a> that San Francisco continues to be a growing market for rideshare. Within Waymo’s operating zone, Risher said, Lyft’s market share remained consistent in 2023 and 2024, according to a validated external data source.

An Uber spokesperson said year-over-year gross bookings in San Francisco have been consistent for several quarters. Lyft’s Risher <a href="https://x.com/davidrisher/status/1867742167617442032">said on X in December</a> that San Francisco continues to be a growing market for rideshare. Within Waymo’s operating zone, Risher said, Lyft’s market share remained consistent in 2023 and 2024, according to a validated external data source.

Waymo declined to comment on the YipitData numbers.&nbsp;

Waymo declined to comment on the YipitData numbers.&nbsp;

“You can&#8217;t simply model San Francisco and the spotty data that exists for it and assume that it magically rolls out throughout the U.S. and that Uber&#8217;s roadkill,” said Scott Devitt, an equity analyst at Wedbush Securities.&nbsp;

“You can't simply model San Francisco and the spotty data that exists for it and assume that it magically rolls out throughout the U.S. and that Uber's roadkill,” said Scott Devitt, an equity analyst at Wedbush Securities.&nbsp;

“You can&#8217;t simply model San Francisco and the spotty data that exists for it and assume that it magically rolls out throughout the U.S. and that Uber&#8217;s roadkill,” said Scott Devitt, an equity analyst at Wedbush Securities.&nbsp;

The consensus is largely that the myopic view from tech-obsessed San Francisco is not representative of the big picture.&nbsp;

The consensus is largely that the myopic view from tech-obsessed San Francisco is not representative of the big picture.&nbsp;

“People are looking at San Francisco, and they&#8217;re extrapolating it across the globe,” said Mark Giarelli, an equity analyst at Morningstar who is keeping a close eye on the experiments Waymo is conducting in U.S. cities. “That&#8217;s probably not the correct way to look at it.”&nbsp;

“People are looking at San Francisco, and they're extrapolating it across the globe,” said Mark Giarelli, an equity analyst at Morningstar who is keeping a close eye on the experiments Waymo is conducting in U.S. cities. “That's probably not the correct way to look at it.”&nbsp;

“People are looking at San Francisco, and they&#8217;re extrapolating it across the globe,” said Mark Giarelli, an equity analyst at Morningstar who is keeping a close eye on the experiments Waymo is conducting in U.S. cities. “That&#8217;s probably not the correct way to look at it.”&nbsp;

Instead of just a high-tech taxi service, Uber should be understood as a sophisticated system that can predict demand to boost utilization and profit from its fleet, he said. Uber is a “master network” able to move people and products around in the most efficient way possible, Giarelli said, while Waymo is essentially self-driving technology bolted onto a consumer app.&nbsp;

Instead of just a high-tech taxi service, Uber should be understood as a sophisticated system that can predict demand to boost utilization and profit from its fleet, he said. Uber is a “master network” able to move people and products around in the most efficient way possible, Giarelli said, while Waymo is essentially self-driving technology bolted onto a consumer app.&nbsp;

All that makes Uber “an ideal partner” for an autonomous car service in the early stages of building out its consumer base, Giarelli said.

All that makes Uber “an ideal partner” for an autonomous car service in the early stages of building out its consumer base, Giarelli said.

Vincent Yasay’s Waymo from his home to Crane Cove Park in San Francisco on Monday, Feb. 24 2025. These individuals are among the highest riders of Waymo, the autonomous ride-hailing service operating in San Francisco. Over time, some of them have accumulated substantial bills, with one rider reaching as high as $14,000 due to frequent use of the service. This reflects not only the convenience and reliability of Waymo’s self-driving vehicles but also the growing popularity of autonomous transportation in urban areas.These individuals are the top riders of Waymo, the automotive ride service in San Francisco. Some of them have accumulated a bill of $14,000 using the services.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8540567785_waymoaddicts_009.jpg?w=2500" alt="A self-driving vehicle's rooftop sensor array is shown in front of a modern multi-story apartment building with glass balconies." class="wp-image-380054"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Waymo riders have come to delight in seeing the roof-mounted sensor display their initials during pickup.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8540567785_waymoaddicts_009.jpg?w=2500" alt="A self-driving vehicle's rooftop sensor array is shown in front of a modern multi-story apartment building with glass balconies." class="wp-image-380054"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Waymo riders have come to delight in seeing the roof-mounted sensor display their initials during pickup.</figcaption></figure>

Waymos pass through the Dogpatch neighborhood in San Francisco on Monday, Feb. 24 2025. These individuals are among the highest riders of Waymo, the autonomous ride-hailing service operating in San Francisco. Over time, some of them have accumulated substantial bills, with one rider reaching as high as $14,000 due to frequent use of the service. This reflects not only the convenience and reliability of Waymo’s self-driving vehicles but also the growing popularity of autonomous transportation in urban areas.These individuals are the top riders of Waymo, the automotive ride service in San Francisco. Some of them have accumulated a bill of $14,000 using the services.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8540567785_waymoaddicts_010_d2f736.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two self-driving cars and a person on a scooter move on a city street. A green traffic light and a pedestrian crossing are visible. Buildings and trees line the road." class="wp-image-380058"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Waymo robotaxi has become a regular sight in San Francisco as the mode of transportation has gone mainstream.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8540567785_waymoaddicts_010_d2f736.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two self-driving cars and a person on a scooter move on a city street. A green traffic light and a pedestrian crossing are visible. Buildings and trees line the road." class="wp-image-380058"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Waymo robotaxi has become a regular sight in San Francisco as the mode of transportation has gone mainstream.</figcaption></figure>

Waymo has recognized this too. As the robotaxi company has probed entry into various U.S. markets, Uber has been a major beneficiary. Although Waymos are available exclusively through the Waymo One app in San Francisco and Los Angeles, they are only available through Uber in Austin and, soon, Atlanta. In Phoenix, the market where Waymo first launched publicly, users can order the robotaxis through both the Waymo One and the Uber apps.&nbsp;

Waymo has recognized this too. As the robotaxi company has probed entry into various U.S. markets, Uber has been a major beneficiary. Although Waymos are available exclusively through the Waymo One app in San Francisco and Los Angeles, they are only available through Uber in Austin and, soon, Atlanta. In Phoenix, the market where Waymo first launched publicly, users can order the robotaxis through both the Waymo One and the Uber apps.&nbsp;

Were Waymo to forego the benefits of cooperation and seek to compete with Uber head-to-head everywhere, it would face two major disadvantages in the matters of how much it costs to add cars to its network and who bears those costs.&nbsp;

Were Waymo to forego the benefits of cooperation and seek to compete with Uber head-to-head everywhere, it would face two major disadvantages in the matters of how much it costs to add cars to its network and who bears those costs.&nbsp;

Estimates peg the cost of a single Waymo, a Jaguar iPace outfitted with an array of high-tech sensors and cameras, at <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/21/technology/waymo-driverless-cars-san-francisco.html">as much as $200,000</a>. Waymo owns all the vehicles in its fleet itself, regardless of whether they’re out on the street ferrying passengers or sitting idle in a company-leased parking lot.&nbsp;

Estimates peg the cost of a single Waymo, a Jaguar iPace outfitted with an array of high-tech sensors and cameras, at <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/21/technology/waymo-driverless-cars-san-francisco.html">as much as $200,000</a>. Waymo owns all the vehicles in its fleet itself, regardless of whether they’re out on the street ferrying passengers or sitting idle in a company-leased parking lot.&nbsp;

Uber, meanwhile, requires its drivers to own or lease their own vehicles, typically Toyota Priuses or other economy cars, and it only pays drivers when they’re carrying passengers.&nbsp;

Uber, meanwhile, requires its drivers to own or lease their own vehicles, typically Toyota Priuses or other economy cars, and it only pays drivers when they’re carrying passengers.&nbsp;

When demand for rides exceeds supply, Waymo’s model offers only one answer: buy more cars. But demand is anything but static; it spikes during commute times, weekend nights, and special events, then falls off sharply at other times. Were Waymo to build a big enough fleet to satisfy demand at those times, it would sit unused for the rest of the day. The other choice is to build for the average level of demand; that would mean turning away some 40% of riders at peak times, Giarelli estimates.

When demand for rides exceeds supply, Waymo’s model offers only one answer: buy more cars. But demand is anything but static; it spikes during commute times, weekend nights, and special events, then falls off sharply at other times. Were Waymo to build a big enough fleet to satisfy demand at those times, it would sit unused for the rest of the day. The other choice is to build for the average level of demand; that would mean turning away some 40% of riders at peak times, Giarelli estimates.

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Uber doesn’t have that problem, because its flexible two-sided-market model lets it continuously match supply to demand, with cars that aren’t actively bringing in revenue effectively off its books.

Uber doesn’t have that problem, because its flexible two-sided-market model lets it continuously match supply to demand, with cars that aren’t actively bringing in revenue effectively off its books.

“Say there’s a Taylor Swift concert that spikes demand by 50%,” said a former Uber product manager who worked at the company between 2021 and 2023. “You can’t wave a magic wand and bring more robotaxis onto the street that don’t already exist. But you can incentivize drivers with more money and get them out on the road.”

“Say there’s a Taylor Swift concert that spikes demand by 50%,” said a former Uber product manager who worked at the company between 2021 and 2023. “You can’t wave a magic wand and bring more robotaxis onto the street that don’t already exist. But you can incentivize drivers with more money and get them out on the road.”

Direct competition appears to be intense in San Francisco, where the apps coexist on users’ phones. But the rideshare experiment most analysts are betting on for the long term is an Austin- and Atlanta-style “Waymo on Uber” partnership.&nbsp;

Direct competition appears to be intense in San Francisco, where the apps coexist on users’ phones. But the rideshare experiment most analysts are betting on for the long term is an Austin- and Atlanta-style “Waymo on Uber” partnership.&nbsp;

In business speak, this is a “platform strategy,” meaning Uber functions as the underlying platform that supports many companies and ride options. This model allows robotaxi companies to benefit from Uber’s massive customer base and logistics network, while Uber reduces dependence on human drivers and lowers overall costs. In Atlanta and Austin, for example, Uber will provide Waymo with fleet management services, such as cleaning and charging, in exchange for a 10%-20% cut of revenue per ride, according to analyst estimates.&nbsp;

In business speak, this is a “platform strategy,” meaning Uber functions as the underlying platform that supports many companies and ride options. This model allows robotaxi companies to benefit from Uber’s massive customer base and logistics network, while Uber reduces dependence on human drivers and lowers overall costs. In Atlanta and Austin, for example, Uber will provide Waymo with fleet management services, such as cleaning and charging, in exchange for a 10%-20% cut of revenue per ride, according to analyst estimates.&nbsp;

Uber has <a href="https://www.uber.com/us/en/autonomous/">14 partnerships</a> with autonomous vehicle companies, including Waymo, Aurora (which bought Uber’s self-driving unit in 2020 for $400 million), and food delivery services like Avride and Serve. Lyft has adopted a similar approach, though <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/10/uber-lyft-waymo-robotaxis-analysts-skepticle-tesla-zoox/">analysts are skeptical</a> about how successful its partnerships will be.&nbsp;

Lyft plans to launch robotaxis in Dallas next year, but analysts are skeptical 

Uber has <a href="https://www.uber.com/us/en/autonomous/">14 partnerships</a> with autonomous vehicle companies, including Waymo, Aurora (which bought Uber’s self-driving unit in 2020 for $400 million), and food delivery services like Avride and Serve. Lyft has adopted a similar approach, though <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/10/uber-lyft-waymo-robotaxis-analysts-skepticle-tesla-zoox/">analysts are skeptical</a> about how successful its partnerships will be.&nbsp;

“If Uber plays their cards right, it will continue to be the go-anywhere, get-anything app,” said Chris Saad, who was a product executive at the company from 2015 to 2017. “Your muscle memory will be to reach for Uber.”&nbsp;

“If Uber plays their cards right, it will continue to be the go-anywhere, get-anything app,” said Chris Saad, who was a product executive at the company from 2015 to 2017. “Your muscle memory will be to reach for Uber.”&nbsp;

That’s unless the ultimate wild card pulls off a coup.&nbsp;

That’s unless the ultimate wild card pulls off a coup.&nbsp;

If one person can dethrone Uber, it’s Musk. He has long staked the future of Tesla on self-driving cars and posited a “glorious future” in which parking lots are replaced by parks.&nbsp;

If one person can dethrone Uber, it’s Musk. He has long staked the future of Tesla on self-driving cars and posited a “glorious future” in which parking lots are replaced by parks.&nbsp;

Musk is coming directly for Waymo and Uber’s lunch. At Tesla’s “cybercab” launch last year, he said the steering-wheel-less vehicle will cost less than $30,000 and be available before 2027. Regardless of the ambitious timeline (Musk has <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_predictions_for_autonomous_Tesla_vehicles_by_Elon_Musk?utm_source=chatgpt.com">repeatedly made predictions</a> about autonomous vehicles that have not come to pass) — Tesla developing a low-cost, scalable car would be a serious game changer. Unlike Waymo, which uses costly LiDAR for depth perception and remote human operators for tricky situations — both of which are expensive and hard to scale — Tesla is building cars that rely solely on cameras and are fully autonomous under all conditions.&nbsp;

Musk is coming directly for Waymo and Uber’s lunch. At Tesla’s “cybercab” launch last year, he said the steering-wheel-less vehicle will cost less than $30,000 and be available before 2027. Regardless of the ambitious timeline (Musk has <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_predictions_for_autonomous_Tesla_vehicles_by_Elon_Musk?utm_source=chatgpt.com">repeatedly made predictions</a> about autonomous vehicles that have not come to pass) — Tesla developing a low-cost, scalable car would be a serious game changer. Unlike Waymo, which uses costly LiDAR for depth perception and remote human operators for tricky situations — both of which are expensive and hard to scale — Tesla is building cars that rely solely on cameras and are fully autonomous under all conditions.&nbsp;

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - JANUARY 10: Tesla Cybercab or Robotaxi two-passenger battery-electric self-driving car on display at the AutoSalon on January 10, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1663" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/gettyimages-2194002409.jpg?w=2500" alt="A sleek, gold-colored concept car with gullwing doors open, displayed on a shiny black reflective floor, surrounded by a minimalist exhibition setup." class="wp-image-373949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Elon Musk said at the Tesla cybercab&#8217;s October unveiling that it will have no steering wheel or pedals and will be followed by an autonomous &#8220;robovan&#8221; that can carry up to 20 people and goods.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/gettyimages-2194002409.jpg?w=2500" alt="A sleek, gold-colored concept car with gullwing doors open, displayed on a shiny black reflective floor, surrounded by a minimalist exhibition setup." class="wp-image-373949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Elon Musk said at the Tesla cybercab's October unveiling that it will have no steering wheel or pedals and will be followed by an autonomous "robovan" that can carry up to 20 people and goods.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/gettyimages-2194002409.jpg?w=2500" alt="A sleek, gold-colored concept car with gullwing doors open, displayed on a shiny black reflective floor, surrounded by a minimalist exhibition setup." class="wp-image-373949"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Elon Musk said at the Tesla cybercab&#8217;s October unveiling that it will have no steering wheel or pedals and will be followed by an autonomous &#8220;robovan&#8221; that can carry up to 20 people and goods.</figcaption></figure>

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