Free Waymo rides in California? You can thank a regulatory quirk.
Summary
Waymo, Alphabet’s driverless taxi service in California, cannot yet expand its ride area or charge for rides in its new Ojai vehicle because of a delay by California’s regulatory agencies. The company is waiting for state approval to operate and charge fares while addressing safety and legal concerns.Key Facts
- Waymo operates driverless taxi services in California using autonomous vehicles.
- The company introduced a new car called the Ojai, made by Chinese company Zeekr but assembled with U.S. technology.
- California requires companies to get permission from two agencies before allowing driverless taxis to carry paying passengers.
- Waymo applied in January to expand its service to more cities in Northern and Southern California and add Ojai cars to its fleet.
- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) delayed approval, asking for more information about safety during emergencies and rules about minors riding alone.
- A labor union filed a complaint about Waymo carrying unaccompanied minors, which is illegal in California.
- Waymo cannot charge for rides in Ojai cars until CPUC approves its request; the company may offer free rides until at least the end of September.
- Waymo’s existing Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis continue charging passengers as usual.
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