California Regulators Approve Unlimited 24/7 Robotaxi Services in San Francisco
California regulators vote 3-1 to allow Cruise and Waymo to operate unlimited, round-the-clock commercial robotaxi services across San Francisco. This expansion proceeds despite strong opposition from city agencies and residents concerned about safety and traffic disruptions.
California regulators grant Cruise and Waymo approval to operate commercial robotaxi services across San Francisco 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The California Public Utilities Commission votes 3-1 in favor of the expansions, allowing the companies to scale their fleets with no limits on the number of driverless vehicles on the road. This decision marks a major victory for the autonomous vehicle industry as both companies transition from limited, restricted operations to full-scale commercial deployment.
This expansion moves forward despite significant pushback from local residents and city agencies that urge a more cautious, incremental approach. Opponents point to frequent malfunctions where autonomous vehicles suddenly stop in the middle of the street, a phenomenon known as "bricking," which blocks traffic, public transit, and emergency responders. Additionally, public commenters at the hearing highlight that the robotaxi services currently lack clear guidelines for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
For Cruise and Waymo, achieving massive scale in San Francisco is essential to secure a return on the millions of dollars invested in developing self-driving technology. Waymo recently shut down its self-driving trucks program and laid off staff to focus entirely on ride-hailing, making this expansion critical to its financial future. The CPUC ultimately grants the permits because it does not anticipate significant safety risks, noting that its authority requires it to approve the services as long as they meet basic standards for safety, reliability, and affordability.