Waymo is poised for a significant expansion of its self-driving operations across the San Francisco and Los Angeles regions, having secured approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
The commission’s decision paves the way for Waymo to extend its driverless operations in these prominent Californian cities, despite facing opposition from residents.
According to the approval letter from the Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division of CPUC, “Waymo may begin fared driverless passenger service operations in the specified areas of Los Angeles and the San Francisco Peninsula, effective today.”
Although Waymo has yet to make an official announcement regarding the expansion, inquiries have been made to ascertain the company’s plans for fleet expansion and the subsequent impact on its operations.
However, the approval did not come without objections. The City of San Francisco previously filed a lawsuit against California regulators to impede the expansion, seeking a pause on the decision to allow for thorough investigations into self-driving safety concerns. Despite a postponement by CPUC last week, Waymo ultimately achieved the desired outcome.
Various groups, including the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, voiced concerns, emphasizing the importance of local consultation and oversight in autonomous vehicle deployment to safeguard both technology development and public interest.
This approval arrives amidst a shifting landscape in the self-driving sector, marked by declining public confidence in robotaxis. Waymo’s competitor, Cruise, faced setbacks prompting a temporary halt in operations, including a notable pedestrian-related collision and challenges in detecting obstacles like children or road hazards.
While Waymo has encountered fewer issues, it is not without incidents, such as collisions involving its self-driving vehicles. Despite these challenges, real-world testing remains crucial for advancing autonomous technology toward improved safety and reliability.
Also read: Current Robotaxi Incidents Highlight Superiority of Human Drivers
