Newsletter
In California, robot taxis, including those from Waymo and Cruise, have been undergoing testing for quite some time. Now, as part of a significant development in the AV industry, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has granted both Google’s Waymo and GM’s Cruise the authorization to offer fare-based fully driverless rides at any time of day within San Francisco.
This decision comes after a comprehensive public hearing lasting six hours, during which residents expressed varying viewpoints on the matter. And although the approval is a significant triumph for the AV sector, especially for Waymo and Cruise, who have invested considerable resources in this technology, CPUC Commissioner John Reynolds emphasized the necessity for these companies to address concerns raised by both San Francisco officials and residents. These concerns encompass issues such as traffic disruptions, road obstruction, and interference with emergency vehicles.
Taking these issues into consideration, the CPUC has also attached a condition to the approval, granting them the authority to impose restrictions on the number of autonomous vehicles allowed on the roads or even revoke operating permits entirely.
Big win for Waymo and Cruise
Google’s Waymo has been one of the oldest players in the AV industry. With this newfound approval, the company has initiated a phased approach to accommodate more riders and will also introduce new fare structures for exclusive journeys throughout the city in the coming weeks. Additionally, with an excess of 100,000 sign-ups on their waitlist, Waymo anticipates a considerable surge in demand and plans to leverage this enthusiasm to generate returns on their investment.
“Today’s permit marks the true beginning of our commercial operations in San Francisco. We’re incredibly grateful for this vote of confidence from the CPUC and to the communities and riders who have supported our service,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo.
Likewise, GM’s Cruise foresees substantial gains with this new proposal and has pledged to prioritize heightened safety and environmental cleanliness. Kyle Vogt, CEO of Cruise, stated, “It’s a monumental milestone for the AV industry and, more significantly, a signal to the nation that California places progress above our unfortunate status quo.”