Waymo takes next step toward selling driverless taxi service in California
Waymo passengers getting into autonomous vehilce in San Francisco on August 24, 2021 (Source: Waymo)
SAN FRANCISCO - Autonomous ride-hailing company Waymo was reportedly one step closer to selling robotic taxi service.
On Monday, the Mountain View-based company submitted an application to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for the final permit required to begin charging for fully autonomous rides in California, according to Reuters.
It could take months for the CPUC to give its decision on the application.
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If approved, Waymo could become the second in the state permitted to charge passengers for driverless rides.
Earlier this year, General Motors’ autonomous-vehicle subsidiary, Cruise, became the first to roll out robotic taxis as it began operating in San Francisco. The company said it planned to expand the driverless service to Austin and Phoenix.
Waymo has been already operating its robotic vehicles on San Francisco streets by offering ride-hailing service with a back-up driver, or "autonomous specialist" on board.
And last month, the CPUC authorized Waymo to provide free driverless passenger service, as part of a pilot program. Under the test program, the company was allowed to operate throughout San Francisco and parts of a handful of Peninsula cities, including Daly City, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale.
The agency said this next step represented a milestone for driverless passenger service and expanded the potential availability of the technology to more Californians.
"We are seeing momentum build in this space," said CPUC Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma, "and are working to assure the safe expansion of the driverless pilot program."