Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Alphabet Inc., has been granted approval to operate its self-driving robotaxis on highways in parts of Los Angeles and the Bay Area. This comes after the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved Waymo’s expansion plans, allowing their cars to drive at speeds of up to 65mph on local roads and highways in approved areas.
The decision to grant Waymo permission to expand its operations follows a period of review by the CPUC, which had initially put the company’s expansion on hold until June. This delay was due to concerns raised by several San Francisco city agencies and other groups regarding the safety of driverless robotaxis. The protests were prompted by a number of high-profile crashes involving autonomous vehicles, including a Waymo car colliding with a bicyclist and a Cruise vehicle striking and dragging a pedestrian.
However, the CPUC has now concluded that Waymo has demonstrated its commitment to continuous evaluation and improvement of its technology, safety practices, and operations involving humans. The commission believes that Waymo has taken steps to minimize the risks associated with driverless passenger service operations in expanded areas. As a result, Waymo has been given the green light to start its expansion immediately.
The decision by the CPUC did not come without opposition. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) had requested evidentiary hearings on disputed facts, but this request was denied by the commission. The LADOT also urged the CPUC to wait until Senate Bill 915, a proposed California law that would give cities more regulatory power over robotaxis, is settled. However, the CPUC deemed these arguments to be outside the scope of its delegated authority.
Despite some concerns raised by advocacy groups, many organizations expressed support for Waymo’s expansion plans. These groups highlighted the potential safety, accessibility, economic, and environmental benefits that Waymo’s service could bring. However, the American Council of the Blind called for the implementation of new safety and accessibility standards before approving Waymo’s request. The CPUC, however, refused this request, stating that these issues are matters of broader autonomous vehicle policy.
Waymo spokesperson Julia Ilina emphasized that the company’s expansion would be careful and incremental, with no immediate plans to extend service to highways. This cautious approach reflects Waymo’s commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of its autonomous vehicles.
The approval granted by the CPUC marks a significant milestone for Waymo as it continues to lead the way in autonomous vehicle technology. With its expansion into Los Angeles and the Bay Area, Waymo is poised to bring its self-driving robotaxis to more users, offering them a glimpse into the future of transportation. As the company moves forward, it will undoubtedly face ongoing scrutiny and challenges, but its commitment to continuous improvement and safety will be crucial in building public trust in autonomous vehicles.
