WAYMO ROBOTAXIS SPREAD ACROSS MORE CALIFORNIA CITIES

Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving car unit, is rolling out its robotaxi service to new neighborhoods in California, adding over 80 square miles to its commercial zone.

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The expansion stretches across Los day, covering spots like Echo Park, Silver Lake, and Sunset Boulevard.

The Waymo One app now lets riders book driverless Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicles in these areas, marking a step toward making autonomous rides a common sight.

The growth builds on Waymo's existing presence in major California markets, where it operates hundreds of vehicles. The company’s fleet, including over 400 cars in Los Angeles, handles thousands of paid trips weekly, offering rides from urban hubs to suburban streets. The service aims to provide a safe, reliable alternative to traditional ride-hailing, with vehicles navigating complex city routes using cameras, radar, and lidar.

This move follows a turbulent period for Waymo, after protests in Los Angeles led to vandalism of several robotaxis. The incidents, tied to broader immigration policy disputes, prompted a temporary service pullback. Waymo adjusted its operations, citing traffic conditions and local guidance, to resume expansion with a focus on community engagement and safety protocols.

NAVIGATING REGULATORY WATERS

California's Public Utilities Commission has greenlit Waymo's expansion, allowing driverless operations in new areas despite pushback from local officials. San Mateo and Los Angeles counties argued for more control over robotaxi deployments, citing safety and traffic concerns. The commission, however, found Waymo's updated safety plan and compliance with state rules sufficient to proceed.