San Francisco Robotaxi Expansion Approved by California Agency: A Victory for Cruise, Waymo

## Waymo and Cruise Get Nod To Run Unmanned Robotaxi Services in San Francisco

The California state regulators have given Alphabet Inc’s Waymo and General Motors’ Cruise the green light to operate paid robotaxi services across San Francisco using unmanned self-driving vehicles. Despite strong opposition from city transportation, safety agencies, and many residents, the vote to allow the tech companies to run their services was passed on Thursday.

Waymo and Cruise have been testing their services in restricted geographical areas and during specific times. However, with this recent approval, the companies can now run their services throughout the city and at all times. The companies did not immediately indicate when they would begin offering round-the-clock taxi service.

## A Significant Step in Regulating Autonomous Vehicles

This decision marks a significant step towards regulating autonomous vehicles, which Waymo, Cruise, and other companies have been progressively deploying in cities and states across the nation. The approval “marks the true beginning of our commercial operations in San Francisco,” said Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo co-CEO.

San Francisco is a critical hub for autonomous vehicle testing, with more than 500 self-driving cars already in operation. The companies argue that real-world testing in dense city environments is essential to perfect the technology.

## Opposition and Concerns Over Safety

Despite the approval, several city agencies, including the fire department, planning commission, and transit agencies, had lobbied for a slower deployment of the vehicles. They cited multiple incidents of interference with emergency services and erratic driving behavior.

Waymo will be permitted to operate at speeds of up to 65 miles per hour and in inclement weather, while Cruise will be limited to 35 miles per hour and will not be allowed to operate in unfavorable weather conditions.

## Autonomous Vehicles Vs. Traditional Ride-Hailing Services

The approval puts Cruise and Waymo in direct competition with traditional ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. The companies argue that their vehicles, which have yet to cause a life-threatening injury or death, are safer than human drivers.

The autonomous vehicles, with their empty driver seats and self-turning steering wheels, have become a common sight around San Francisco. They will now operate in competition with local companies Uber and Lyft in offering rides summoned by app.

Despite the approval, the deployment of autonomous vehicles in San Francisco remains a contentious issue. Many locals resent their city being used as a testing lab for unproven technology, while others believe that the city should lead in the development of technology that could reduce traffic accidents and injuries.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency reported nearly 600 incidents involving autonomous vehicles since the spring of 2022, a number it believes is only “a fraction” of the total due to lax reporting requirements.

Original Story at www.reuters.com – 2023-08-11 01:58:00