Waymo's Driverless Taxis Expand in LA and San Francisco, Receiving Regulatory Approval Grant

Regulators have greenlit an expansion of Waymo's self-driving taxis, paving the way for increased presence in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

California regulators are set to make a crucial decision regarding the expansion plans of two competing robotaxi services, Cruise and Waymo, in San Francisco.

Expanding to Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Are

The California Public Utilities Commission granted approval for Waymo's robotaxis to operate in additional counties surrounding these cities, extending their reach beyond urban centers and into Silicon Valley's core.

Earlier reports indicated that the PUC had halted the application process, suggesting a delay until June. However, Waymo has refuted these claims, clarifying that they merely stemmed from a routine announcement of delay when processing extends beyond the standard 30 days.

The confusion was partly due to opposition expressed by San Mateo County, encompassing a significant portion of the San Francisco Peninsula expansion. Initially, San Mateo County Attorney John Nibbelin lodged a complaint with the CPUC, alleging Waymo's inadequate communication.

However, Nibbelin later retracted the claim, acknowledging Waymo's engagements with several members of the Board of Supervisors and the County Executive. Waymo also emphasized conducting numerous briefings with county stakeholders.

Along with its erroneous assertion, San Mateo's position mirrors the antagonism observed in a handful of other localities, notably San Francisco. In California, road traffic is overseen by the state DMV, while taxi services fall under the jurisdiction of the CPUC.

Concerns, Frustrations for Robotaxies

Despite cities lacking authority over roads, they do manage curbs and parking spaces. This arrangement has led to frustration among certain municipalities. However, other areas like the Phoenix metropolitan area and Austin have experienced smoother interactions with robotaxi firms.

Robotaxi companies assert their commitment to fostering positive relationships with the cities they operate in, but they appear cautious about fully embracing this endeavor.

Their reluctance stems from concerns about the logistical challenges posed by being subject to regulation by the numerous local governments their vehicles traverse.

The expansion into the Peninsula, encompassing 21 cities and 3 counties, exemplifies the scale of this challenge, which would only intensify with further expansion across the entire Bay Area.

While regulatory oversight currently resides with state authorities, discontent among city stakeholders has prompted advocacy efforts in Sacramento. The proposed legislation seeks to grant municipalities greater regulatory authority, although its prospects for passage remain uncertain.

Waymo's expansion to serve the Peninsula and LA presents unique challenges compared to downtown San Francisco, resembling their operations in Phoenix. While familiar with the Peninsula, freeway driving remains necessary for longer rides, although not yet offered publicly.

Both areas heavily rely on cars, posing challenges for taxi-style services. Access to airports like SFO remains restricted due to city regulations, while resistance in LA adds further hurdles.

Despite these obstacles, Waymo's presence across three major cities marks a significant milestone, addressing misconceptions about robotaxi's capabilities.