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Waymo lobbyist activity in SF skyrocketed in 2024 | TechCrunch

Jan 24, 2025 - techcrunch.com
Waymo significantly increased its lobbying efforts in San Francisco in 2024, with lobbyists meeting city officials 348 times, more than double the previous year's count. This surge in activity aligns with Waymo's expansion in the area, where it has been operating since 2009. In August 2023, Waymo began charging customers for rides in its self-driving Jaguar I-Pace vehicles throughout San Francisco, leading to a broader customer base and the removal of its waitlist in June 2024.

The company expanded its service area by 10 square miles to include additional Bay Area cities and initiated testing of driverless vehicles on San Francisco freeways. Waymo is also seeking approval to operate at the San Francisco Airport, as indicated by increased meetings with airport authority officials. This expansion reflects Waymo's ambitions to enhance its presence and service offerings in the larger Bay Area.

Key takeaways:

  • Waymo significantly increased its lobbying efforts in San Francisco in 2024, with 348 meetings compared to 137 in 2023.
  • The increase in lobbying activity aligns with Waymo's expansion in San Francisco and the larger Bay Area.
  • Waymo removed its waitlist for its San Francisco robotaxi service in June, facilitating greater customer access to its self-driving technology.
  • Waymo is aiming to expand its services to include pickups and drop-offs at the San Francisco Airport.
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