Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service in Silicon Valley After Regulatory Approval
Waymo has received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to broaden its commercial robotaxi service area, paving the way for the company’s driverless ride-hailing vehicles to operate in more communities south of San Francisco. This expansion marks a significant step for autonomous vehicle technology in the region.
According to a post on X, Waymo clarified that the approval won’t immediately alter its operational plans. Currently, Waymo provides commercial robotaxi services throughout San Francisco and parts of the Peninsula. It also serves several Silicon Valley cities, including areas of Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Sunnyvale. The company’s current service area spans approximately 85 square miles across San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
In addition to this expansion, Waymo is also pursuing access to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The company obtained permission in March to map roadways at SFO under a temporary permit. During the mapping process, Waymo vehicles will be driven manually by employees. This permit is the first phase of a broader strategy for Waymo to eventually offer commercial autonomous services at the airport.
Waymo’s operations currently facilitate approximately 250,000 paid trips each week. Its service extends to several major cities, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, and, more recently, Austin. The company’s growing presence in these metropolitan areas underscores its commitment to expanding autonomous transportation solutions.
