San Francisco · California · Ars Technica
In Northern California, its new proposed service area would span from Sea Ranch and Sacramento in the north
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But the process has been caught up in an unusual amount of controversy.
Key facts
- Now, CPUC’s Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division and Waymo have agreed to a new extension through September 25, according to Terrie Prosper, a spokesperson for the agency
- In May, the agency asked for more information about how Waymo responds to emergency incidents, like December’s San Francisco power outage that stranded more than 60 Waymos in traffic
- In Northern California, its new proposed service area would span from Sea Ranch and Sacramento in the north, through Berkeley and Oakland, and into San Jose
- The holdup means that Waymo isn’t yet allowed to expand into parts of Northern and Southern California
Summary
Robotaxi companies have thrived in California, where the good weather, enthusiasm for technology, and sophisticated labor force have supported their growth for nearly two decades. The holdup means that Waymo isn’t yet allowed to expand into parts of Northern and Southern California. If Waymo continues to operate these vehicles in its driverless ride-hail service, they could be gratis until the end of September and perhaps beyond. (The company continues to charge for rides in its Jaguar the reporter-Pace robotaxis, which make up most its fleet.) Unlike other states that allow robotaxis to launch testing operations and later public service without much, if any, oversight, California doesn’t allow the vehicles to hit the roads without permission. Waymo applied to the CPUC in January to expand its service area and to add its Ojai cars to its fleet.