Last year, San Francisco city agencies requested the CPUC to pause Waymo's plans to charge for robotaxi rides at all hours. Recently, San Mateo County also sought more information about the company's expansion plans. The suspension comes after a series of incidents, including one where a driverless Waymo vehicle was attacked by a crowd and set on fire, highlighting public discontent towards the autonomous vehicle operator.
Key takeaways:
- Waymo's plan to expand its robotaxi service in Los Angeles and San Francisco has been put on hold by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) following several incidents involving the company's autonomous vehicles.
- The hold, set to expire on June 19th, 2024, does not affect Waymo's ability to operate in its current service area, but gives regulators more time to assess the company's expansion plans.
- Last August, San Francisco's city attorney and several city agencies filed a motion requesting the CPUC pause the company's plans to charge for robotaxi rides in the city at all hours.
- Earlier this month, a driverless Waymo vehicle was attacked and set on fire, an incident said to reflect the discontent many people have toward the autonomous vehicle operator.