Waymo Gains Final Approval to Launch Paid Driverless Ride-Hailing in San Francisco
Waymo receives its driverless deployment permit from the CPUC, allowing the company to officially charge fares for fully autonomous rides in San Francisco. The company plans to onboard new riders gradually from a waitlist of over 100,000 people.
Waymo officially receives its driverless deployment permit from the California Public Utilities Commission, marking the final regulatory hurdle for the company. This permit allows Waymo to transition from a free testing phase to a paid, commercial ride-hailing service in San Francisco. The company currently serves over 10,000 weekly rider-only trips across San Francisco and Phoenix with no human driver behind the wheel.
In the coming weeks, Waymo begins charging fares for its fully autonomous rides and gradually welcomes new users from a waitlist that exceeds 100,000 signups. To guarantee a reliable experience, the company adds new riders incrementally rather than all at once. Passengers have access to the service 24/7, with the ability to travel across the entire city from neighborhoods like Bernal Heights to Fisherman's Wharf.
Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana calls this permit the true beginning of Waymo's commercial operations in San Francisco. Local riders, such as a development associate at The Women's Building, already express trust in the technology to navigate city streets safely alongside pedestrians and cyclists. As the service expands, Waymo emphasizes the mobility, safety, sustainability, and accessibility benefits of its driverless fleet.