This decision comes in the wake of growing public hostility towards robotaxis following accidents involving Waymo and rival General Motors’ Cruise. Incidents include a Waymo robotaxi being set on fire during Chinese New Year celebrations in San Francisco’s Chinatown, and another Waymo car hitting a bicyclist at a city intersection. These incidents have led to calls from California lawmakers for stricter regulation of robotaxis and autonomous trucks in the state.
Key takeaways:
- A California regulator has suspended Waymo's application to expand its robotaxi services to parts of Los Angeles and San Francisco until June 19 for further review.
- The suspension is part of the California Public Utilities Commission's standard review process and can be extended for up to 120 days, and further extended for another 180 days if not approved.
- The decision comes amid growing public hostility towards robotaxis following accidents involving Waymo and General Motors’ Cruise.
- These incidents have led California lawmakers to call for stricter regulation of robotaxis and autonomous trucks in the state.