California Regulators Approve State's First Driverless Passenger Service
The California Public Utilities Commission authorizes Cruise to operate the state's first pilot program for driverless autonomous vehicle passenger service. The company cannot charge fares and must submit quarterly safety reports.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) authorizes Cruise, LLC to operate the state’s first driverless autonomous vehicle passenger service under a new pilot program. This permit allows members of the public to ride in test vehicles that operate completely without a human driver behind the wheel. Cruise does not charge passengers for these rides as the company tests its technology in real-world conditions.
Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma calls this a significant milestone that has the potential to transform California’s transportation system. She notes that autonomous vehicles promise to improve roadway safety, solve individual mobility needs, and create new jobs in vehicle manufacturing and maintenance. The CPUC designs this pilot program to let AV companies develop their technologies while ensuring strict consumer protection and passenger safety.
Before receiving this CPUC permit, Cruise already obtains a separate driverless testing permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. As part of the pilot program requirements, Cruise submits a detailed Passenger Safety Plan and provides quarterly reports to the CPUC about its driverless operations. These regulatory layers ensure that the public remains protected as this emerging technology expands across the state.