California authorities approve expansion of robotaxi business by self-driving car developer Waymo
Waymo AL 2 Disposition Letter 20240301_signed.pdf
(PDF file) https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/consumer-protection-and-enforcement-division/documents/tlab/av-programs/waymo-al-2- disposition-letter-20240301_signed.pdf
California gives Waymo the green light to expand robotaxi operations - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/2/24088454/waymo-california-highway-expansion-los-angeles-bay-area
California approves Waymo expansion to LA and highways - The Washington Post
Waymo's robotaxis have been reported to have fatally collided with small dogs while in motion, as well as collisions with bicycles . Additionally, rival company Cruise has been involved in traffic accidents with pedestrians , raising concerns about the safety of robotaxis.
In response to a series of traffic accidents caused by robotaxis, multiple San Francisco agencies and other civic groups filed a protest against the CPUC. In February 2024, the CPUC announced that it would suspend business expansion approval for Waymo until June 2024.
However, in a subsequent investigation, the CPUC found that Waymo 'pays attention to technology, road safety considerations, and continuous improvement of human-involved aspects of its operations' and 'this raises the risk of unmanned passenger service operations.' Waymo's expansion plan was approved on March 1, 2024.
With the approval of this expansion plan, Waymo will be able to operate robotaxis on highways in parts of Los Angeles and the Bay Area. You can also drive up to 65 mph (105 km/h) on local roads and highways in approved areas.
In its decision regarding Waymo, the CPUC revealed that it rejected a request from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) for a hearing on ``disputed facts''. LADOT also asked the CPUC to wait for approval to expand its business until California
According to the CPUC, the decision received a letter from several groups supporting the expansion, highlighting the 'potential safety, accessibility, economic, and environmental benefits of Waymo's services.' He said. Meanwhile, the American Federation of the Blind points out that ``the CPUC should not approve the request from Waymo unless it begins the process of establishing new safety and accessibility standards.''
Waymo spokesperson Julia Irina said, ``Waymo's business expansion is cautious and gradual, and there are no immediate plans to expand service to expressways.''
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