Waymo has received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to operate a commercial robotaxi service in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Peninsula, and on San Francisco freeways. This approval allows the Alphabet company to now charge for rides in these expanded areas, including routes to San Francisco International Airport.
Since initially receiving approval in August, Waymo has been operating a commercial service 24/7 in San Francisco. The company has also been offering free driverless rides in parts of Los Angeles but can now charge for rides in that area as well.
Last month, the CPUC’s Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division temporarily suspended Waymo’s application to expand its services in Los Angeles and San Mateo counties to allow for further review. However, with the recent approval, Waymo can now expand its operations into these areas.
Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana recently discussed the company’s future and the autonomous vehicle industry at Strictly VC LA. She mentioned that the Waymo robotaxis had been well-received in Los Angeles, with over 15,000 people using the service for various daily activities.
Additionally, Mawakana stated that 50,000 people have joined the waitlist to use the service in Los Angeles, showing strong interest in Waymo’s autonomous taxi service.
Image Credits: TechCrunch
Watch the full interview with Tekedra Mawakana below to learn more about Waymo’s plans and strategies for its commercial robotaxi service in Los Angeles.
