Waymo's expansion was previously suspended for up to 120 days following a vehicle recall due to a collision caused by incorrect software predictions. Despite concerns from local authorities, Waymo spokesperson Julia Ilina assured that the company will take an "incremental approach" to its LA deployment and has no immediate plans to expand in San Francisco. She also highlighted that the CPUC received letters of support for Waymo's expansion from 81 organizations and individuals, including groups for the elderly and people with disabilities, local community councils, and transportation advocates.
Key takeaways:
- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has given Waymo permission to expand its robotaxi operations to Los Angeles and more locations in the San Francisco Peninsula, despite opposition from local groups and government agencies.
- Waymo has been testing its driverless vehicles in those locations for a while now, but this decision will allow it to charge passengers for their robotaxi rides.
- There has been significant opposition to this decision, with protest letters received 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.
- Waymo spokesperson Julia Ilina assures the public that the company will take an "incremental approach" when it comes to deploying the service in LA, and has "no immediate plans" to expand its service in San Francisco.