Waymo, the self-driving technology company, has received approval to expand its robotaxi operations in California. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has given the green light for Waymo to operate its self-driving vehicles on highways in parts of Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
This recent approval means that Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are now permitted to travel at speeds of up to 65mph on local roads and highways within the approved areas. Julia Ilina, a spokesperson for Waymo, assured that the company’s expansion will be gradual and cautious, emphasizing that there are no immediate plans to extend the service to highways.
However, the company’s expansion faced a temporary setback last month when the CPUC put it on hold until June for further staff review, following objections from various San Francisco city agencies and other groups. Concerns about the safety of driverless robotaxis have been amplified by several high-profile accidents involving autonomous vehicles, including a recent incident where a Waymo car collided with a bicyclist.
Despite these concerns, the CPUC has now concluded that Waymo has demonstrated a commitment to continuous evaluation and improvement of its technology, safety practices, and operational aspects involving humans. As a result, Waymo has been granted permission to commence its expansion immediately.
In its decision, CPUC also addressed the requests from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) for evidentiary hearings on disputed facts, stating that the LADOT had not identified material disputed facts that would be resolved through formal hearings. Additionally, CPUC dismissed requests to wait for the settlement of a California law, Senate Bill 915, which would grant cities more regulatory authority over robotaxis, deeming such arguments as outside the scope of its delegated authority.
While some groups expressed support for Waymo’s expansion, citing potential safety, accessibility, economic, and environmental benefits, others, such as the American Council of the Blind, raised concerns. The commission, however, refused the request to institute new safety and accessibility standards before approving Waymo’s expansion.
