> cities like Boston

Couldn't come soon enough [1].

> Given that it doesn't really even work too well in places with good signage, lane markings, etc

Works fine in Phoenix, Miami and Los Angeles. Plenty of neighbourhoods there have non-existent, defaced and degraded signage and markings.

> Until it's real, it's nothing to get alarmed about

I don't think there is anything to be alarmed about, period. Driving is a silly job when you think about it. We made these machines to do our bidding, not enslave us behind their wheels.

My belief in a smooth roll-out is reinforced by those who would probably oppose AVs also not believing it's real. Once the first factory mass manufacturing AVs breaks ground, any limited local opposition can be preëmpted.

[1] https://waymo.com/blog/shorts/back-to-boston/