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An American self-driving technology company, Waymo, is compensating on-demand workers to assist in closing the doors of its driverless taxis when passengers leave them open.

Waymo provides a fully autonomous, round-the-clock commercial robotaxi service in multiple U.S. cities. Nevertheless, if a rider leaves a vehicle door open after getting out, the car is unable to proceed until the door is closed.

To solve the issue, the company is experimenting with a system that notifies local freelance drivers who can promptly shut the door and get the vehicle back into operation.

Waymo and the food delivery service DoorDash have disclosed to the media through a shared statement that they are conducting a trial program in Atlanta. According to the initiative, DoorDash drivers get alerts when a Waymo vehicle’s door is left open in the vicinity.

The companies mentioned that upcoming Waymo vehicles will feature automated door-closing technology, though no specific schedule has been revealed, as reported by CNBC.

Waymo is also collaborating with Honk, a roadside assistance and tow service, whose users currently perform maintenance-related activities for the robotaxi fleet.

According to theWashington Post, Workers in Los Angeles who honk have been offered payments of up to $24 (€20) to shut a car door.

Waymo has more than 1,500 self-driving cars functioning in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix within the United States.

The company owned by Alphabet is also broadening its global presence.

Waymo has started mapping London’s roadsVehicles equipped with safety drivers, with intentions to introduce a completely driverless service this year. It also revealed plans for testing and upcoming implementation in Tokyo, Japan’s capital.