Waymo, a unit of Alphabet, has received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to expand its robotaxi services to parts of Los Angeles and the Bay Area. The approval granted Waymo the permission to begin fared driverless passenger service operations in specific areas, as announced on the regulator’s website.
In mid-February, Waymo submitted a voluntary recall filing notice to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to address software issues. This move came after two undisclosed incidents in Phoenix where unmanned Waymo vehicles collided with the same towed pickup truck within minutes of each other. These incidents raised concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles in California.
Competing taxi and transit service providers, as well as labor activists, have expressed concerns about the potential job losses for drivers due to the rise of autonomous vehicles. Safety advocates have urged regulators and politicians to block Waymo’s expansion in the state. Despite these challenges, the CPUC decided to approve Waymo’s new proposal, citing the company’s updated Passenger Safety Plan as a key factor.
A spokesperson for Waymo expressed gratitude to the CPUC for the vote of confidence in their operations, which allows for the deployment of the commercial Waymo One service in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Peninsula. This approval positions Waymo as a key player in the autonomous vehicle market in California, especially after competitors like Cruise and Apple exited the business in the state. As Elon Musk’s Tesla continues to work on developing autonomous vehicles, Waymo’s progress in California is a significant milestone.
California regulators have monitored the operations of autonomous vehicle companies closely, following incidents that raised questions about safety. Cruise, another major player in the autonomous vehicle industry, faced regulatory hurdles after incidents involving their robotaxis. Waymo’s new approvals now allow their robotaxis to operate in close proximity to Tesla’s engineering headquarters, highlighting the competition in the autonomous vehicle market.
Waymo has been testing vehicles in Los Angeles and the Bay Area for several years, preparing for the expansion of their robotaxi services. By receiving approval from the CPUC, Waymo has demonstrated their commitment to innovation and safety in the autonomous vehicle industry. As the technology continues to evolve, Waymo remains at the forefront of providing driverless transportation solutions to the public.
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