Waymo Robotaxis Roll Out on California Roads
Self-driving cars from Alphabet’s Waymo robotaxis service will now be able to navigate busy freeways and local roads at speeds of up to 65 mph without a safety driver behind the wheel. The California Public Utilities Commission approved the expansion after determining Waymo robotaxis had met all safety requirements.
While some local officials had raised concerns about safety and congestion, the CPUC ruled the autonomous vehicles were ready to take the next step. “We are confident that Waymo robotaxis innovative technology can help improve transportation access and safety across California,” said commission chair Martha Guzman Aceves.
The Future is Now
This landmark approval means Waymo robotaxis will soon be picking up passengers on major highways in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles for the first time. Though an incremental rollout is planned, it represents a giant leap for autonomous driving technology. No longer limited to small test areas, self-driving cars will now face the complex traffic conditions found on some of the busiest roads in the country. How they perform could shape public perception of the technology for years to come.
Waymo robotaxis are already providing thousands of rides daily in limited areas of Phoenix and San Francisco. The vehicles have logged over 10 million autonomous miles on public roads to date without any serious incidents. With a proven safety record behind the wheel, Waymo robotaxis will surely be watched closely as they expand to new territories in California. Their success could set the stage for similar services across other states in the near future.
