Regulators halt Waymo’s bid to expand California robotaxi operations
Waymo’s application to expand its robotaxi service in Los Angeles and San Mateo counties has been suspended for 120 days by the California Public Utilities Commission’s Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division (CPED). This decision puts a temporary halt to Waymo’s aspirations to extend its operational reach until June 2024.
The CPED stated on its website that the application has been suspended for further staff review. Waymo described this suspension as a procedural part of the CPUC’s standard review process. However, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Vice President David J. Canepa viewed it differently, emphasizing concerns about public safety and the need for meaningful discussions with Waymo.
Waymo stated that it had engaged with numerous government and business organizations, including officials from cities throughout San Mateo County and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, as part of its outreach efforts.
Currently, Waymo operates a commercial service in San Francisco round the clock and offers free driverless rides in parts of Los Angeles. However, it has faced opposition to its expansion plans, particularly in San Mateo County and parts of Los Angeles. Despite filing an updated safety plan in January with the CPUC seeking approval for an expanded operational design domain (ODD), Waymo’s expansion efforts have faced resistance from various organizations, including the San Francisco Taxi Workers Association.
This suspension underscores the regulatory complexities and public safety concerns surrounding the deployment of autonomous vehicles and the expansion of robotaxi services. While Waymo continues to operate in certain areas, its expansion plans are subject to rigorous review and scrutiny by regulatory authorities and stakeholders.
In January, Waymo filed a document with the Commission’s Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division, seeking review and approval of its updated safety plan and an expansion of its operational design domain (ODD). The ODD refers to the geographical areas where Waymo’s driverless vehicles are permitted to operate. Specifically, Waymo requested approval to expand its operations in parts of the Los Angeles area and additional areas of the San Francisco Peninsula, including San Mateo County. This expansion is significant as it would provide access to the San Francisco Airport.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles, responsible for regulating the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles, approved the expanded ODD in January. However, Waymo’s expansion plans have faced opposition from various organizations and authorities, 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. These entities have expressed concerns and sent letters opposing the expansion, highlighting potential safety and regulatory issues.
