I guess, but my interaction with a real person in a waymo was limited to 15 seconds on my many rides, so I don't know if I'm just an anomaly or not.

> it's also a positive attraction eg. for anyone who worries about their safety with a rando taxi driver or Uber guy

Yes, this is the main reason to like it. I've had too many experiences with an Uber driver nearly falling asleep while transporting me.

> though presumably a significant part of the savings will be simply be the result of outsourcing to lower-wage countries.

Given how many Uber drivers are immigrants already, this is already happening if Waymo employs call center employees from the Philippines or not.