Cruise and Waymo Robotaxis Can Now Work the Streets of San Francisco 24/7

 

California's Public Utilities Commission has granted approval for Alphabet's Waymo and GM's Cruise to offer paid rides using self-driving robotaxis in San Francisco around the clock

California's Public Utilities Commission has granted approval for Alphabet's Waymo and GM's Cruise to offer paid rides using self-driving robotaxis in San Francisco around the clock. This decision allows these companies to introduce unlimited fleets of driverless cars for on-demand rides, potentially revolutionizing the transportation industry in the city. Despite objections from San Francisco officials and some residents, the Commission voted 3-1 in favor of the expansion.

Cruise and Waymo, backed by General Motors and Alphabet respectively, have faced challenges in gaining approval due to concerns about the readiness of self-driving vehicles for real-world conditions. While the technology has shown promise, it has also encountered issues such as occasional freezes on city streets and traffic disruptions. Critics argue that more data is needed to ensure safety and proper functioning.

For both Cruise and Waymo, this approval represents a significant milestone in their efforts to transition from ambitious tech projects to viable and profitable business ventures. General Motors, for instance, reported substantial losses on its Cruise program despite expanding its paid rides offering. Waymo will now be allowed to operate at speeds of up to 65 miles per hour, while Cruise's speed limit is set at 35 miles per hour.

Although the approval does not impose limits on fleet size, the companies have not yet disclosed how many robotaxis they will deploy in San Francisco. Waymo plans to gradually invite over 100,000 people from a waitlist to use their robotaxi services. The decision emphasizes the need for safety and responsible deployment of self-driving technology. The Commission retains the authority to adjust permit requirements and regularly assess the progress of robotaxi operators.

The decision to grant these permits falls under the jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities Commission, which oversees various public services, including transportation and technology-related ventures like robotaxi operations. This move signifies a significant step forward in the integration of self-driving vehicles into everyday urban transportation.