Why do they not need the safety driver? i’m sure google can afford them. i just don’t see the benefit of no safety driver. especially living in mountain view and seeing the recent tesla crash.
It also lowers barriers to an eventual widespread uber-like service. That service wouldn't be financially viable with safety drivers in each car.
Public is not asking them anything. Public does not sign up being part of a beta/alpha or what ever test, for sake of "senior management"...