Waymo has received expanded approval from California regulators to allow it to operate self-driving robotaxis on highways in parts of Los Angeles and the Bay Area (PDF) Scheduled for Friday. This means the company's cars will be allowed to drive up to 100mph on local roads and highways in approved areas.in statement to washington postWaymo spokeswoman Julia Irina said the company's expansion will be „careful and gradual“ and that the company has „no immediate plans“ to expand service to highways.
The CPUC said Waymo will „continue to evaluate and improve its technology, safety practices, and human-involving aspects of its operations to minimize the risks of its unmanned passenger service operations“ in the expansion region. came to a conclusion. This decision gives Waymo permission to begin expansion immediately.
In its decision, the CPUC rejected a request from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) for an evidentiary hearing regarding „disputed facts“ as „substantial disputed facts that would be resolved through a formal hearing.“ It was rejected on the basis that it did not specify the LADOT also asked the CPUC to wait until the California law is enacted. Senate Bill 915 The proposal, which would have given cities regulatory influence over robotaxis, was settled, but the CPUC said that and other discussions were „outside the authority delegated to the staff.“
According to the commission, several organizations that sent letters to the CPUC supporting the expansion „generally emphasized the potential safety, accessibility, economic, and environmental benefits“ of Waymo's service. That's what it means. Some still have concerns, like the American Federation of the Blind, which said the CPUC should not approve Waymo's request without „beginning the process“ of establishing new safety and accessibility standards. there was. The commission rejected this, calling this and other regulatory issues „broader AV policy issues.“