‘I can’t get out’: Man trapped in driverless taxi as it goes round and round in circles

8 January 2025, 13:57

Mike Johns almost missed his flight.
Mike Johns almost missed his flight. Picture: LinkedIn

By Henry Moore

A ‘dizzy’ tech entrepreneur nearly missed his flight after his self-driving taxi started endlessly driving around in circles.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Mike Johns had a flight to catch a flight in Arizona when he decided to hail a Waymo driverless taxi last to take him to the airport.

His trip was promptly derailed when the robotaxi began driving in circles, causing him almost to miss his flight.

In a video shared on LinkedIn, Mr Johns can be seen pleading with a customer service worker to fix the malfunction.

"I've got a flight to catch, why is this thing going in a circle, I'm getting dizzy!" he says.

Read more: Terrifying moment California wildfire engulfs family home before residents and their pet dog flee

"I'm really really sorry, Mike," the agent replies.

Speaking to the camera, Mr Johns jokes: "Why has this happened to me on a Monday?"

The disgruntled passenger then tried to stop the car using the Waymo app as the customer service agent did not have the option to stop the car remotely.

Eventually, the robotaxi decided to take him to the airport and he made his flight.

Mr Johns was not charged for his trip, a Waymo spokesperson said.

Waymo taxis have exploded in popularity across the United States in recent years, with the self-driving cab available in Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco and Austin.

The brand claims the cars have 78% fewer road accidents leading to injury than traditional cars.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

An armed Met counter-terror firearms unit at Downing Street

UK police chiefs ‘plan national counter-terrorism force’

Patrick Mullins aboard Nick Rockett after winning the Randox Grand Nationa

Nick Rockett wins 2025 Grand National at Aintree holding off last year's winner I Am Maximus

She was reportedly robbed outside an Italian restaurant in Cheshire

Wife of Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana ‘robbed of £62K handbag and Rolex’

Jaguar Land Rover has paused shipments to the US in the wake of 'Liberation Day' tariffs

Jaguar Land Rover halts shipments to US in wake of tariffs as Trump insists he'll win 'economic revolution'

The fire happened at Goldenbeach Holiday Park, Roman Bank, Ingoldmells.

Two people killed in caravan fire at holiday park in Lincolnshire

Easter eggs have been recalled over a potential risk of 'metal'

'Do not eat' warning as major chocolate brand recalls two Easter eggs amid fears they contain metal

Flowers and toys left on a swing seat to commemorate victims killed in Russia's missile attack on Friday

Death toll from Russian strike on Zelenskyy's home town rises as 18 confirmed dead - including nine children

Lucy Connolly

Tory councillor's wife who was jailed for racial hatred tweet after Southport attacks 'denied temporary release'

The scene at Beckenham Place Park

Body found in search for teenage boy who went missing while swimming in lake in south-east London

Molly Russell took her own life in 2017.

Meta and Pinterest 'make secret donation to Molly Russell charity'

Elton John

Sir Elton John says he 'can't read, watch TV or see his boys play rugby' as he opens up about health battle

Exclusive
Corby steelworks pictured in 1981

Families in former industrial town call for probe into rare child cancer after botched clean-up of steelworks

The stabbing happened on Ramsden Street in Huddersfield.

Man, 20, charged with murder after 16-year-old boy stabbed to death in Huddersfield

Donald Trump's 10% tariff on UK products has officially come into force

Trump tariffs come into force as global stock markets plunge deeper into the red

File photo dated 19-05-2024 of Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne lifting the Premier League trophy with team-mates.

Kevin De Bruyne to leave Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola calls him 'one of greatest midfielders to play in England'

Stock markets plummeted on Friday

Starmer 'pushing for Trump royal visit this year' as UK bids for US trade deal - after tariffs spark turmoil in markets