DoorDash drivers are getting paid to close Waymo car doors
Mashable
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving car division, is collaborating with DoorDash drivers to address a peculiar gap in its autonomous vehicle operations: closing car doors that remain open after passengers exit. In a unique pilot program currently running in Atlanta, Waymo is paying DoorDash gig workers $11.25 to travel to nearby vehicles and close the door manually. This partnership highlights an interesting workaround for a technology still in development—self-closing doors on Waymo's robotaxis are not yet reliable enough to function independently.
The initiative was shared by a DoorDash driver on Reddit, who revealed receiving an offer to earn $11.25 for a nine-minute trip to close a Waymo car door. Alphabet confirmed the pilot program to CNBC, emphasizing that it is part of ongoing efforts to ensure its autonomous vehicles can return to service efficiently after passengers depart. While Waymo's future plans include integrating automatic closing doors, the company has not provided a specific timeline for this feature.
For now, Atlanta-based gig workers have an unconventional opportunity to earn money by simply closing Waymo car doors that may have been left open by previous riders. However, those in Los Angeles seeking higher earnings for similar tasks can turn to Honk, another roadside assistance app, where workers are paid up to $24 per door closure—a significant difference of $12.75 more than the DoorDash rate.
This collaboration between Waymo and DoorDash underscores the practical challenges faced by autonomous vehicle technology as it transitions from testing to real-world use. By leveraging gig economy platforms, Waymo is creatively addressing a specific operational hurdle while providing an additional income stream for drivers. This approach not only demonstrates the iterative nature of tech innovation but also highlights how the gig economy continues to adapt and evolve alongside emerging technologies.
Ultimately, this story matters because it illustrates both the potential and limitations of autonomous vehicles. While self-driving cars are advancing rapidly, they still require human intervention in certain areas—such as door closing—a reminder that fully autonomous systems are not yet a reality. For tech enthusiasts and those interested in the gig
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Originally published on Mashable on 2/13/2026