Futuristic technology has officially entered the historic city of Boston.
Waymo self-driving cars are driving around Boston through the end of June, gathering data on driving conditions and behaviors.
Although every Waymo car in Boston has a driver behind the wheel during this testing phase, many Bostonians are hesitant about the idea.
“I don’t think it’s the best idea. I feel like it’s kind of unsafe,” said Bella Lauzon from Arlington.
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“Honestly, I think it’s crazy, cause what can you do? What if you have to brake and the car don’t brake?” said Kent Green from Malden.
Waymo has been visiting cities across the country, collecting information on a variety of areas. In Boston, that means navigating old and often confusing roadways.
“There’s a lot of one-ways, and there are very tight streets with a lot of pedestrians, so a little scary,” said Sarah Warjas from Medford.
“The streets are too small. I feel like it’s just causing more traffic — bike lanes,” added Green.
It also means learning Boston’s distinct driving culture, even during a nor’easter.
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“I feel like it’s a little aggressive. You kind of have to be on your toes,” said Lauzon.
“I don’t like driving downtown to begin with, so I probably wouldn’t trust a self-driving car,” added Warjas.
Waymo is driving throughout the Boston area from Mission Hill to Cambridge, Somerville to Southie. You may also spot their cars on the Massachusetts Turnpike and Interstate 93.
The Alphabet-owned company currently operates autonomously in only four cities: Phoenix, Austin, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
“I think conceptually, I’m OK with it. I came here from California, and there was lots of self-driving cars,” said Scott William of Malden. “I’m hoping that the technology is better to the point where they’re not crashing all the time and things like that.”
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Earlier this month, Waymo recalled 1,200 self-driving cars to update the software after a series of minor collisions.
Right now, there is no timeline for when a driverless rider program would be launched in Boston.
“No Kings” rallies are scheduled in Boston and across Massachusetts on Saturday and are expected to draw large crowds, organizers said.
Organized by the ACLU of Massachusetts, Indivisible Mass Coalition, and Mass 50501, the event is a mass mobilization in protest of the Trump administration.
The No Kings theme was created by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
“The Trump administration is trying to shred the Constitution; the No Kings movement is an unequivocal statement that we, the people, will not let that happen. This will be the third global No Kings Day, and it’s not just about protesting what’s wrong—it’s about building something better. We intend to show our power, build our power, and power a democracy that advances freedom, equality, justice, and dignity for all,” organizers wrote.
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The rally, one of thousands scheduled across the country this weekend, is planned for the Boston Common from 2 to 4 p.m. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend Boston’s rally. Other events are scheduled in Pittsfield, Northampton, Lancaster, Worcester, Framingham, Methuen, Lexington, and towns in southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape. For a map of No Kings events near you, click here.
Speakers include elected officials Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Gov. Maura Healey, Sen. Ed Markey and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and civic leaders Hessann Farooqi Marcelo Gomes Da Silva, Darlene Lombos, president of the Greater Boston Labor Council, Carol Rose, executive director of ACLU of Massachusetts, Jessica Tang, president of the American Federation of Teachers of Massachusetts, and others. It will be moderated by Rahsaan Hall, president and CEO of Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts.
There will also be performances by the Dropkick Murphys, Boston Area Brigade of Activist Musicians, BVOCAL Chorus, and Jimmy Tingle.
A previous No Kings rally in October drew massive crowds estimated in the tens of thousands.
NBC10 Boston
NBC10 Boston
An aerial view of the crowd at Boston’s “No Kings” rally on the Common on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
ALLSTON, MASS. (WHDH) – Boston police are searching for a gunman who opened fire in Allston Thursday and left one person hurt.
Police responded to a radio call for a person shot in the area of Brighton Avenue at approximately 6:46 p.m. When officers arrived, they said they found a male “juvenile” suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim’s age has not been released.
Boston police said the shooter fled the scene and remains at large. No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Boston police.
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This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.
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