Date: March 4, 2024. – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) have given go-ahead to Waymo, to expand its driverless ride-hailing service in Los Angeles.
According to the CPUC, Waymo can now charge passengers for trips in its fleet of robotaxis, which run without human safety drivers behind the wheel, in certain regions of Los Angeles and the San Francisco Peninsula. The company will also permit shared trips, allowing numerous customers to drive in the same car as long as they follow COVID-19 safety rules.
According to a statement released by Waymo, the CPUC’s approval represents a “vote of confidence in our operations, which paves the way for the deployment of our commercial Waymo One service in LA and the SF Peninsula.” In order to guarantee a safe and seamless launch of its service, the company also stated that it would keep collaborating with local government agencies and communities.
The expansion will begin soon, giving residents of Los Angeles and the Peninsula the opportunity to experience driverless car technology firsthand. It’s robotaxis will likely operate within designated areas initially, gradually expanding their reach as the company gathers more data and experience.
The expansion of Waymo’s service is expected to boost the adoption of self-driving cars in California. However, some local officials and residents have expressed concerns over the safety and impact of the driverless vehicles, especially in dense urban areas. The CPUC said it would continue to monitor and evaluate Waymo’s performance and compliance with the regulations, and solicit feedback from the public and stakeholders.
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