Waymo can now operate its self-driving robotaxis on highways in parts of Los Angeles and the Bay Area after California regulators approved its expansion plans on Friday (PDF). This means the company’s cars can now travel at speeds of up to 65mph on local roads and motorways in approved areas.in a statement Washington postWaymo spokesperson Julia Ilina said the company’s expansion will be “cautious and gradual” and that there are “no immediate plans” to expand service to highways.
Now, the CPUC has concluded that Waymo has demonstrated “a focus on ongoing evaluation and improvement of its technology, safety practices, and operations involving humans… to minimize the risk of expanding driverless passenger service operations within the region.” risk”. The decision allows Waymo to begin expanding immediately.
In its decision, the CPUC wrote that it denied LADOT’s request for an evidentiary hearing on “disputed facts” because it had not “identified material disputed facts that would be resolved through a formal hearing.” LADOT also asked the CPUC to wait until a California law, Senate Bill 915, which would give cities greater regulatory authority over robotaxis, is resolved, but the CPUC called that and other arguments “beyond the mark.” Scope of Authorization of Staff”.
Multiple groups sent letters to the CPUC supporting the expansion, “generally highlighting the potential safety, accessibility, economic and environmental benefits of Waymo’s services,” according to the committee. Some remain skeptical, such as the American Council of the Blind, which said the CPUC should not approve Waymo’s request without “beginning the process of developing new safety and accessibility standards.” The commission declined, calling this and other regulatory issues “broader AV policy issues.”