Autonomous driving technology company Waymo just received the green light to expand its service to Los Angeles and San Mateo counties
The California Public Utility Commission said it received 81 letters in support of expanding driverless taxi service outside San Francisco and five objections.
Waymo, formerly known as Google's self-driving car project, is a subsidiary of technology company Alphabet, Google's parent company.
Despite the CPUC's green light, it's unclear when robotaxis will be available in Los Angeles.
Waymo has been conducting driverless test rides in San Francisco since 2018 and in August was just one of two companies offering paid rides in the city. The company began testing its driverless white Jaguars in Los Angeles last year, giving residents the chance to try out the service as part of an invitation-only period.
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In a statement to USA TODAY, Waymo said the company plans to “take a careful and phased approach to expansion by continuing to work closely with city officials, local communities and our partners to ensure we provide service that is safe.” “, accessible and valuable.” to our drivers.”
Lawmakers have safety concerns
Waymo's expansion of self-driving taxis has sparked some backlash and concern from local lawmakers.
“This was an irresponsible decision by the PUC,” San Mateo County Supervisor Dave Canepa told KTVU.
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Canepa told the outlet that the county is concerned about safety and wants more communication with Waymo to address local stakeholders' concerns.
L.A. County Manager Janice Hahn called the CPUC's decision to expand Waymo “dangerous.”
“These robotaxis are far too untested and Angelenos should not be Big Tech’s guinea pigs. Decisions like this should be made by cities and not based on city objections,” Hahn said in a post on X.
Sarah Al-Arshani covers breaking and breaking news for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected].