Waymo’s request to extend its robotaxi service into the counties of Los Angeles and San Mateo has been halted for a period of 120 days by the Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division of the California Public Utility Commission.
While the ruling does not impact Waymo’s current capacity to operate autonomous vehicles commercially in San Francisco, it does impose an unexpected obstacle to the company’s plans for expansion. This suspension means Waymo cannot extend its operational reach until at least June 2024.
As stated on its website, the Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division (CPED) has temporarily suspended Waymo’s application for additional staff review. Waymo notes that the “suspension” of an advice letter is a routine procedural step within the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) thorough and standard review process.
As stated on its website, the Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division (CPED) has temporarily suspended Waymo’s application for additional staff review. Waymo notes that the “suspension” of an advice letter is a routine procedural step within the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) thorough and standard review process.
Vice President David J. Canepa of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, however, adopted a different position.
Canepa said, “The CPUC has put the brakes on Waymo’s application to test robotaxi service virtually unfettered both in San Mateo and Los Angeles counties since Waymo has stalled any meaningful discussions on its expansion plans into Silicon Valley.” “This will give us the chance to fully engage the manufacturer of autonomous vehicles on our very real public safety concerns that have put police and firefighters in all kinds of dangerous situations in neighboring San Francisco.”
Waymo highlighted its extensive outreach initiatives, revealing that it has engaged with around two dozen government and business entities. This outreach includes communication with officials from various cities within San Mateo County, such as Burlingame, Daly City, and Foster City. Additionally, Waymo has been in contact with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and local chambers of commerce.
Waymo currently runs its commercial service around the clock, seven days a week, covering the entirety of San Francisco. Additionally, the company has received permission to provide complimentary rides in driverless vehicles in specific areas of Los Angeles. Waymo initiated robotaxi ride testing with its employees in Santa Monica in March 2023 and has gradually extended access to some members of the public. However, as of now, Waymo is not authorized to charge for these rides
Waymo filed a request for evaluation and approval of its updated safety plan in January with the Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division of the Commission. The business also aimed to broaden the scope of its operational design domain, which refers to the particular areas in which its autonomous cars are allowed to drive. In particular, Waymo is looking for permission to expand its activities into more areas of the San Francisco Peninsula, including San Mateo County, and portions of the Los Angeles region. Given that it has access to the San Francisco Airport, its extension is important.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles, responsible for overseeing the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles, granted approval for the expanded Operational Design Domain (ODD) in January. However, several entities, including the City of South San Francisco, Los Angeles County Department of Transportation, San Francisco County Transportation Authority, San Mateo County Office of the County Attorney, and the San Francisco Taxi Workers Association, have expressed their opposition to the expansion through written letters.
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