Shillong, August 11: Autonomous vehicle companies Cruise and Waymo have received regulatory approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to operate commercial robotaxi services throughout San Francisco around the clock.
Following a lengthy hearing, CPUC’s decision to grant permission came despite objections from residents and city agencies.
Currently offering limited paid services with human safety operators, Cruise and Waymo can now significantly expand their robotaxi offerings without a specified limit on the number of vehicles. CPUC Commissioner John Reynolds described this as the first of many steps toward introducing autonomous vehicle transportation services to Californians.
Waymo hailed the decision as a historic moment for self-driving vehicles, emphasizing that it marks the commencement of their commercial operations in San Francisco. Cruise’s CEO, Kyle Vogt, deemed it a crucial achievement for the autonomous vehicle industry and a signal that California prioritizes progress.
However, some critics highlighted concerns about compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, questioning whether the driverless vehicles can adequately assist passengers who require assistance getting to and from the vehicle.
