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Waymo's Robotaxi Service Expands into Los Angeles, Offering Free Rides in Select Areas
Waymo's robotaxi service expands into Los Angeles, offering free rides to early adopters. The expansion comes despite objections from local officials concerned about public safety. Waymo plans to introduce fares for rides in Los Angeles and aims to launch commercial operations in Austin, Texas.
In an exciting development, Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Google, is set to launch its robotaxi service in Los Angeles. Starting Thursday, the company will offer free rides to a portion of the approximately 50,000 individuals who have signed up for its driverless ride-hailing service.
This expansion into Los Angeles comes seven months after California regulators granted Waymo permission to charge for its robotaxi rides in San Francisco. Despite objections from local officials who raised concerns about public safety, Waymo's robotaxis were given the green light to operate around the clock.
While Waymo's rides in Los Angeles will initially be free, the company has stated that it plans to introduce fares for passengers in the future. Additionally, Waymo has its sights set on launching commercial operations in Austin, Texas later this year, further expanding its presence in major U.S. cities. It's worth noting that Waymo has been successfully offering paid rides in Phoenix since 2020.
The initial phase of Waymo's service in Los Angeles will cover a 63-square-mile area, stretching from Santa Monica to downtown. This launch comes two weeks after the California Public Utilities Commission approved the expansion, disregarding concerns from city transportation officials about potential disruptions caused by robotaxis.
The concerns surrounding autonomous vehicles were underscored by a tragic incident in San Francisco last October. A vehicle operated by Cruise, a driverless ride-hailing service owned by General Motors, was involved in an accident where a pedestrian was dragged for 20 feet by another car before coming to a stop. This incident led to the suspension of Cruise's state license and prompted significant changes within the company.
In contrast, Waymo's robotaxis have maintained a clean record thus far, with no major accidents reported. The company's commitment to safety and its extensive experience in the autonomous vehicle industry have contributed to its success in providing reliable and secure transportation options.
Waymo's robotaxi service expands into Los Angeles, offering free rides to early adopters.
The expansion comes despite objections from local officials concerned about public safety.
Waymo plans to introduce fares for rides in Los Angeles and aims to launch commercial operations in Austin, Texas.
Source: AP NEWS