In a significant development for Alphabet’s Waymo, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) granted approval on Friday for the operation of a commercial robotaxi service in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Peninsula, and on San Francisco freeways. This milestone eliminates the final barrier for Waymo to charge for rides in these expanded regions, marking a crucial step in the company’s autonomous mobility ambitions.
Key Points:
- Expanded Territory: Waymo has been operating a commercial service in San Francisco 24/7 since receiving CPUC approval in August. The recent approval now extends the company’s services to one of the largest cities in the U.S., Los Angeles. This expansion also provides Waymo with access to San Francisco International Airport.
- CPUC Decision Background: The CPUC’s Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division had temporarily suspended Waymo’s application to expand its robotaxi service in Los Angeles and San Mateo counties. The delay, up to 120 days, was intended to accommodate additional review time due to 81 responses and five protests, including those from the city of South San Francisco, the county of San Mateo, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, and the San Francisco Taxi Workers Alliance.
- Community Reception: Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana discussed the warm welcome the company received in Los Angeles during a recent community tour. With over 15,000 people using the service and 50,000 on the waitlist, Mawakana highlighted that customers were integrating Waymo into their everyday lives, using it for errands, dining, and school transportation.
- Future Charging Plans: Mawakana indicated that Waymo would not immediately start charging for rides in Los Angeles but would follow a similar approach as in San Francisco. The company plans to expand its service before implementing charges, allowing users to experience the offering before transitioning to a paid model.
Waymo’s success in securing approval for expanded operations reflects a pivotal moment in the deployment of commercial robotaxi services and underscores the company’s commitment to integrating autonomous vehicles into urban mobility. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, Waymo’s progress in major cities positions it as a key player in the emerging autonomous transportation industry.
